There’s an interesting epilogue to this story, that a mere six months after being released from prison, Kenneth Waters was taking a short cut that involved a walk along a fifteen foot high wall, slipped and fell, and died of head trauma. This story was omitted from the end of the film. I guess the struggle of the story would be undermined somewhat if this rather tragic yet Beadle-esque death was added as a capper.
Conviction tells the true story of Kenneth’s (Sam Rockwell) sister Anne Waters (Hilary Swank). An unemployed single mother who worked for years to get a law degree just so she could become her brother’s attorney after he was imprisoned for murder in 1983. The film follows her and her unbridled determination, and the strain it puts on her relationships over the years. The clock is always ticking though as her options narrow down, her brothers will to carry on in prison dwindles.
The performances from the two leads are what stand out the most and the drama of the story is just about enough to stay on the other side of boring. Unfortunately one can’t help but feel the story could have been better executed. It tends to work more like a heavier Disney film than an adult drama. One minute things are going well, the next they’re not. This pattern continues throughout until by the end of the film the audience is too thoroughly prepared for either outcome.
3/5
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