Family is considered, to most, to be one of the most vital institutions in today’s society. While friends may come and go, most people consider family to be sacred. They see family as something they can fall back on and depend upon in all situations. More often than not, this feeling is based on an unconditional love that transcends actions and ability. CONVICTION is a story of just that, a person that pushes such an ideology to the utmost limits, and demonstrates how the love for a family member can compel someone to take extreme measures to fend for them.
CONVICTION follows Bette Ann Waters (Hillary Swank) and the obstacles she faces in attempting to absolve her older brother Kenny Waters (Sam Rockwell) of his conviction of murder for the death and bludgeoning of Katharina Brow. Convinced of his innocence, Bette Ann devotes her life to finding the evidence she needs to prove his guiltlessness. In the process, she obtains her G.E.D, a college degree, a masters in education and a law degree, all while working full time to support her two children. She sets aside everything in her life as she presses on for almost 16 years, losing her husband and alienating herself from her close friends along the way. Much to the dismay of almost everyone she loves, she maintains that the truth is out there and sustains a devotion to unearth it.
Hillary Swank hitting the books
Although the premise of the film is quite unique, Pamela Grey’s adaption into a screenplay isn’t anything to get too excited about. The plot plays much like any typical, based on a real-life situation, success story. The filmmakers take very few chances, having no major plot twists, and delivering an ending that is exactly what you envision. Such an ending is necessary, because if it didn’t have the happy, heart warming finish you were expecting, then it wouldn’t have been big screen worthy, yet, I feel the sequence of events should lead to something a bit more substantial. Granting the benefit of the doubt, however, the film was based on something that really occurred, and that greatly limited the filmmakers direction with the storyline. Fortunately, these limitations don’t hold the film back too much, as other aspects of the movie make up for such lackluster plot development.
Hillary Swank and Sam Rockwell in Conviction
Where CONVICTION really manages to shine, and what makes the movie truly heart felt, is the acting performances of its two leads. Hillary Swank’s Bette Ann Waters really delivers the emotions of a sister who is searching for answers while having to deal with all kinds of adversity along the way. Swank’s acting encompasses the passion and fervor of a woman juggling schoolwork, raising a family and making ends meet, simultaneously. While one can say that Swank truly shines, the real scene stealer is Sam Rockwell with his portrayal of Kenny Waters. Somehow Rockwell manages to be believable as both a habitual line stepper who has no adherence to the town’s laws and later as an innocent man who was wrongfully accused of a crime and is fearful he has no means to vindicate himself. The way Swank and Rockwell come together makes it difficult to not feel for them and the love that they share. Holding back tears is almost impossible when you connect with the circumstances that have separated them, and with their drives to one day be reunited with one another. It is this element of the film that turns an otherwise lackluster storyline into a remarkable journey.
Sam Rockwell being hauled off to jail
While the film doesn’t do anything groundbreaking, and is just another tried and true recount of unbelievable yet real life events, it serves to give you that heartfelt feeling that there is more to life than the negative you experience on a daily basis. If you’re into these types of motivational pick me up flicks, I’d definitely recommend catching this one because sometimes in life, films like CONVICTION are exactly what you need to keep a smile on your face throughout your days.
Tags: Conviction, Hillary Swank, Sam Rockwell
Marcus Thomas is an aspiring video editor, who has yet to be realized. His favorite genres of movies are horror flicks, romantic comedies, and the occasional Disney "made for TV" melodrama. He enjoys sports & video games just as much as the next guy, but is deathly afraid of frogs, midgets, clowns, paintballs and potpourri.
