Is Conviction Movie True Story? Plot, Cast and Trailer – News

Premiere and Synopsis

News: The movie “Conviction,” directed by Tony Goldwyn, premiered on September 11, 2010, at the Toronto International Film Festival. It later reached a wider audience when it was released in the United States on October 15, 2010. The film is a biographical legal drama based on the true story of Betty Anne Waters and her relentless quest to exonerate her wrongfully convicted brother, Kenny Waters.

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A Sister’s Unwavering Belief

Betty Anne’s brother, Kenny Waters, was unjustly convicted of the 1986 murder of Katharina Brow in Massachusetts. Despite being sentenced to life in prison without parole, Betty Anne never doubted her brother’s innocence. She dedicated her life to fighting for justice and worked tirelessly with the Innocence Project, a non-profit organization focused on exonerating the wrongfully convicted, to take on Kenny’s case.

A Breakthrough: DNA Testing

The Innocence Project conducted DNA testing on the evidence from the crime scene, revealing that the blood found did not belong to Kenny. After serving 18 years in prison, Kenny Waters was finally exonerated in 2001. Tragically, he passed away just six months after his release.

Accurate Portrayal of Events

While “Conviction” is a dramatization of the true story, it remains largely accurate. The characters and events depicted in the movie are based on real people and situations, capturing the essence of Betty Anne’s unwavering determination to exonerate her brother. The film was well-received by both critics and audiences, earning two Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress for Hilary Swank’s portrayal of Betty Anne Waters.

Further Insights from the Book

For those interested in delving deeper into the true story of Betty Anne Waters and Kenny Waters, the book “Conviction: The Untold Story of a Wrongful Conviction and the Triumph of the Human Spirit” by Pamela Colloff provides additional insights and details.

The Plot of “Conviction”

The plot of “Conviction” revolves around Betty Anne Waters’ life and her unwavering commitment to her brother Kenneth, whose fate becomes entangled in a murder case. Despite Kenneth’s troubled past, their bond remains unbreakable.

The Murder Case and Kenneth’s Conviction

The story begins with the murder of Katherina Reitz Brow on May 21, 1980, in Ayer, Massachusetts. Initially questioned by Sergeant Nancy Taylor, Kenneth is released. However, two years later, new witness testimonies lead to his arrest and subsequent trial.

During the trial, only circumstantial evidence is presented, yet Kenneth is convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The main witnesses against him are Sergeant Taylor, his ex-wife Brenda, and former girlfriend Roseanna.

Betty Anne’s Journey Begins

Years later, Betty Anne, living with her husband Rick and their two sons, Richard and Ben, discovers Kenneth’s attempted suicide. This discovery sparks her incredible journey to become a lawyer and prove his innocence, despite her husband’s lack of support, leading to their separation and eventual divorce.

Flashbacks reveal Betty Anne’s own struggles as a working mother attending law school. Her tough upbringing under an indifferent mother resulted in her and Kenneth being placed in different foster homes. These challenges are highlighted as Betty Anne visits Kenneth in prison while juggling work and school.

The Emergence of DNA Testing

While attending a study group, Betty Anne learns about the emerging field of DNA testing and its potential to overturn Kenneth’s conviction. She connects with attorney Barry Scheck from the Innocence Project, aiming to expedite the process by passing the bar exam and locating the blood evidence herself.

Obstacles and Persistence

Betty Anne faces numerous obstacles but remains determined. She discovers that Nancy Taylor was dismissed from the police force for falsifying evidence in another case, further raising suspicions about Kenneth’s conviction. Despite initially being told that the evidence was destroyed, Betty Anne’s persistence leads her to its recovery with the help of her friend Abra. The subsequent DNA testing reveals that the blood found at the crime scene did not belong to Kenneth.

Buoyed by this development, Betty Anne and Kenneth hope for his release. However, the District Attorney’s office, represented by Martha Coakley, resists vacating the conviction, arguing that there is still enough evidence to consider him an accomplice. Undeterred, Betty Anne refuses to give up, as advised by Scheck, standing firm in the belief that their discovery exposes not only Kenneth’s innocence but also the witnesses’ deception.

The Truth Unveiled

Betty Anne, Abra, and Scheck confront Kenneth’s ex-wife and ex-girlfriend, presenting evidence of their coerced perjury. This leads to an affidavit from Kenneth’s ex-wife and the pivotal DNA evidence. As a result, Kenneth’s conviction is overturned, and he regains his freedom in June 2001.

Betty Anne helps him reconnect with his daughter Mandy, whom he was unable to contact during his incarceration. The movie concludes with Kenneth finding solace and being reunited with his sister and her sons.

The Ongoing Fight for Justice

The epilogue reveals Betty Anne’s ongoing commitment to work at the bar and collaborate with the Innocence Project to prevent wrongful convictions. Notably, she secures a substantial settlement against the Ayer police department and Nancy Taylor, despite Taylor avoiding charges due to expired statute limitations. The true identity of Katherina Brow’s murderer remains unsolved.

The Cast and Where to Watch

The cast of “Conviction” includes Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell in leading roles, with Bailee Madison as young Betty Anne Waters, Minnie Driver as Abra Rice, Melissa Leo as Nancy Taylor, Ari Graynor as Mandy Marsh, Loren Dean as Rick Miller, Karen Young as Elizabeth Waters, Jennifer G. Roberts as Martha Coakley, Clea DuVall as Brenda Marsh, Juliette Lewis as Roseanna Perry, and Peter Gallagher as Barry Scheck.

To watch the movie “Conviction,” it is available for viewing on various digital platforms such as iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, and Vudu. These platforms offer the option to either rent or buy the movie, providing convenient access from the comfort of your own home.

In Conclusion

The movie “Conviction” is a powerful and gripping portrayal of the true story of Betty Anne Waters’ unwavering determination to prove her brother’s innocence. Through its accurate depiction of real events and characters, the film sheds light on the struggles and triumphs faced by those wrongfully convicted, showcasing the importance of fighting for justice. With its talented cast and compelling storyline, “Conviction” is a must-watch for those interested in true stories of perseverance and the human spirit.