Is Conviction Movie True Story? Plot, Cast and Trailer
by Indhu | Updated Aug 28, 2023
Conviction
Conviction is a biographical legal drama film that was released in 2010, directed by Tony Goldwyn and featuring a cast led by Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell. The movie's screenplay was penned by Pamela Gray.
Initially showcased on September 11, 2010, at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film made its debut. Subsequently, it reached a wider audience when it was released in the United States on October 15, 2010.
In "Conviction," the compelling story revolves around real-life events and individuals, showcasing the struggles and triumphs in the life of a woman who fights tirelessly to exonerate her wrongfully convicted brother. The movie's premiere at a prestigious film festival and subsequent theatrical release highlighted its significance and quality within the cinematic landscape.
Is Conviction Movie True Story?
Yes, the movie Conviction is based on a true story. It tells the story of Betty Anne Waters, a woman who put herself through law school to exonerate her brother Kenny, who was wrongly convicted of murder.
Kenny Waters was convicted of the 1986 murder of Katharina Brow in Massachusetts. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Betty Anne Waters never believed that her brother was guilty, and she dedicated her life to proving his innocence.
She worked with the Innocence Project, a non-profit organization that works to exonerate the wrongfully convicted, and she eventually persuaded them to take on Kenny's case. The Innocence Project was able to get DNA testing done on the evidence from the crime scene, and the tests showed that the blood found at the scene did not belong to Kenny.
Kenny Waters was exonerated in 2001, after serving 18 years in prison. He died in 2001, six months after his release.
The movie Conviction is a dramatization of the true story, but it is largely accurate. The characters and events are based on real people and events, and the movie captures the essence of Betty Anne Waters's journey to exonerate her brother.
The movie was well-received by critics and audiences alike. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Hilary Swank, who played Betty Anne Waters.
If you are interested in learning more about the true story of Betty Anne Waters and Kenny Waters, I recommend reading the book "Conviction: The Untold Story of a Wrongful Conviction and the Triumph of the Human Spirit" by Pamela Colloff.
Conviction Plot
Betty Anne Waters' life orbits around her brother Kenneth, whose fate becomes entangled with a murder case. Despite Kenneth's tendency to find trouble, their bond remains unbreakable.
Following the murder of Katherina Reitz Brow on May 21, 1980, in Ayer, Massachusetts, Kenneth is initially brought in for questioning by Sergeant Nancy Taylor, only to be released. However, after two years, fresh witness testimonies lead to Kenneth's arrest and trial.
The evidence presented during the trial is purely circumstantial, but he's convicted of first-degree murder and handed a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The main witnesses against him are Sergeant Taylor, his ex-wife Brenda, and former girlfriend Roseanna.
Several years later, Betty Anne lives with her husband, Rick, and their two sons, Richard and Ben. Anxiously awaiting Kenneth's weekly calls from prison, Betty Anne discovers his attempted suicide and decides to embark on an incredible journey. She resolves to become a lawyer to prove Kenneth's innocence. Despite her determination, her husband's lack of support strains their relationship, leading to their separation and eventual divorce.
Betty Anne's own challenges as a working mother attending law school are illuminated through flashbacks, revealing a tough upbringing under an indifferent mother, resulting in her and Kenneth's struggles and eventual separation into different foster homes.
While still visiting Kenneth in prison and juggling work and school, Betty Anne's busy schedule causes her to miss a planned outing with her sons, leading them to move in with their father. Amidst personal struggles, a turning point occurs when a friend encourages her to return to her studies.
In a study group, Betty Anne learns about the emerging field of DNA testing and realizes its potential in overturning Kenneth's conviction, given that only blood types were matched during the original trial. Connecting with attorney Barry Scheck from the Innocence Project, she aims to expedite the process by passing the bar exam and locating the blood evidence herself.
Despite facing obstacles, Betty Anne perseveres. She discovers that Nancy Taylor was dismissed from the police force for falsifying evidence in another case, heightening her suspicions about Kenneth's conviction. Despite being initially 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 wasn't Kenneth's.
Buoyed by this development, Betty Anne and Kenneth hope for his release, but the District Attorney's office, represented by Martha Coakley, resists vacating the conviction, asserting there's still enough evidence to consider him an accomplice. Despite the setback, Betty Anne refuses to yield, as advised by Scheck, who emphasizes that their discovery exposes not only Kenneth's innocence but also the witnesses' deception.
Visiting Kenneth's ex-wife and ex-girlfriend, Betty Anne, Abra, and Scheck unveil their coerced perjury, leading to an affidavit from Kenneth's ex-wife and the pivotal DNA evidence. Consequently, Kenneth's conviction is overturned, and he regained his freedom in June 2001.
Betty Anne helps him reconnect with his daughter Mandy, whom he hadn't been able to reach during his incarceration. Reunited with his sister and her sons, Kenneth finds solace.
The epilogue chronicles Betty Anne's ongoing commitment to work at the bar and collaborates with the Innocence Project, striving to prevent wrongful convictions. Notably, she secures a substantial settlement against the Ayer police department and Nancy Taylor, even though Taylor avoided charges due to expired statute limitations. The mystery of Katherina Brow's true murderer remains unsolved.
Conviction Cast
Actor
Role
Hilary Swank
Betty Anne Waters
Bailee Madison
Young Betty Anne Waters
Sam Rockwell
Kenny Waters
Minnie Driver
Abra Rice
Ele Bardha
Don
Melissa Leo
Nancy Taylor
Ari Graynor
Mandy Marsh
Loren Dean
Rick Miller
Karen Young
Elizabeth Waters
Jennifer G. Roberts
Martha Coakley
Clea DuVall
Brenda Marsh
Juliette Lewis
Roseanna Perry
Peter Gallagher
Barry Scheck
Where to Watch the Movie Conviction?
The movie Conviction is available for viewing through various digital platforms. If you're interested in watching it, you have the option to rent or buy it on platforms such as iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, and Vudu.
This means you can access the film from the comfort of your home using these services. Whether you prefer to rent for a temporary viewing or purchase to have ongoing access, these platforms provide a convenient way to enjoy "Conviction."
Conviction Trailer
Is Conviction Movie True Story? FAQs
Yes, "Conviction" is based on the true story of Betty Anne Waters and her efforts to exonerate her wrongfully convicted brother.
Kenny Waters was Betty Anne Waters' brother who was wrongly convicted of the 1986 murder of Katharina Brow in Massachusetts.
Hilary Swank portrayed Betty Anne Waters, and Sam Rockwell played the role of Kenny Waters.
You can stream or purchase "Conviction" on platforms like iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, and Vudu.
Yes, Hilary Swank was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award for her role as Betty Anne Waters.