Is A Cry in the Dark Based on a True Story? Ending Explained
by A Maria
Updated May 05, 2023
A Cry in The Dark
Evil Angels, also known as A Cry in the Dark Outside Australia and New Zealand, is a 1988 drama film directed by Fred Schepisi. The screenplay, written by Schepisi and Robert Caswell, is based on the book of the same name by John Bryson, which tells the true story of Azaria Chamberlain, a nine-week-old baby girl who disappeared from a campground near Ayers Rock, Australia, in August 1980.
The film depicts the Chamberlain's struggle to prove their innocence to a public that believed they were involved in their daughter's death. The film stars Meryl Streep and Sam Neill as the Chamberlains. The film was released just two months after the Chamberlains were cleared of all charges against them by the Northern Territory Court of Appeals. Nevertheless, the film received generally positive reviews from critics. The film's title was changed to A Cry in the Dark for its release outside of Australia and New Zealand.
Is A Cry in The Dark Based on A True Story?
A Cry in the Dark is a film based on a true story that took place in the 1980s in Australia. The movie portrays a notorious chapter in Australian history when a couple, against all logic, was convicted of murdering their baby amidst a crowd of people vacationing in the Australian Outback. The movie's plot follows the story of Michael Chamberlain and his wife Lindy, who were wrongfully accused of killing their nine-week-old daughter Azaria.
The couple claimed that their baby was taken by a wild dingo, but the public was convinced otherwise, leading to their conviction and imprisonment. Parents should be aware that the film deals with mature themes such as injustice and wrongful imprisonment, and it may not be suitable for young children. There are also scenes that depict the death of a baby, which may be disturbing for some viewers.
However, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and the impact of false accusations. It also highlights the dangers of mob mentality and how it can lead to wrongful convictions. Overall, A Cry in the Dark is a thought-provoking movie that sheds light on a tragic event in Australian history and serves as a cautionary tale for all.
Cast of A Cry in The Dark
Meryl Streep
Lindy Chamberlain
Sam Neill
Michael Chamberlain
Bruce Myles
Neil Fitzpatrick
Neil Fitzpatrick
John Phillips, Q.C.
Charles 'Bud' Tingwell
Justice James Muirhead
Maurie Fields
Justice Denis Barritt
Nick Tate
Det. Graeme Charlwood
Lewis Fitz-Gerald
Stuart Tipple
Dorothy Alison
Avis Murchison, Lindy's mother
Ruby Hunter
Judy Roberts
Vincent Gil
Roff
CAST
CHARACTER
A Cry in The Dark Ending Explained
The film "A Cry in the Dark" depicts the true story of Michael and Lindy Chamberlain, whose nine-week-old baby girl, Azaria, disappeared from a campground in Australia's Outback in 1980. Despite claiming that their daughter was taken by a wild dingo, the couple was convicted of her murder and sentenced to prison.
However, over three years later, while searching for the body of another tourist who fell from Uluru, the police discovered a jacket that Lindy had claimed her daughter was wearing on the night of her disappearance. This discovery led to the Chamberlains' release from prison and the overturning of all convictions against them.
The film's ending features Michael Chamberlain commenting on the ongoing battle to clear the family's name, highlighting the devastating impact the wrongful conviction had on their lives. The film's exploration of the role of media in shaping public opinion and the criminal justice system's flaws make it a thought-provoking and emotionally charged drama. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based decisions in legal proceedings and the potential consequences of unjust convictions.
A Cry in The Dark Ending Plot
Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor Michael Chamberlain, his wife Lindy Chamberlain, their two sons, and their nine-week-old daughter Azaria are on a camping holiday in the Australian Outback. One night, while the baby is sleeping in their tent, Lindy hears a cry and discovers that Azaria is missing. She is certain she saw a dingo with something in its mouth running off as she approached the tent.
Despite an extensive search, the infant is not found, and Lindy's account of events is initially believed to be true. However, the public's opinion turns against the Chamberlains, and they are accused of murdering their baby. Lindy is stoic on the stand during the trial, and Michael's faith in his religion and belief in his wife falters. The couple's religious beliefs are not widely accepted, and rumors about them begin to circulate.
Eventually, Lindy is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor, while Michael is found guilty as an accessory and given an 18-month suspended sentence. More than three years later, police discover clothing that is identified as the jacket Lindy had insisted Azaria was wearing over her jumpsuit, which had been recovered early in the investigation. Lindy is immediately released from prison, and the case is reopened. All convictions against the Chamberlains are overturned. The film concludes with Michael commenting on the ongoing battle to clear the family's name and restore their reputation.
About A Cry in The Dark
Directed by
Fred Schepisi
Screenplay by
Robert Caswell
Fred Schepisi
Based on
Evil Angels
1985 book
by John Bryson
Starring
Release dates
Countries
Australia
United States
Language
English
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Is A Cry in The Dark Based on A True Story - FAQs
Yes, the film is based on the true story of Azaria Chamberlain, a baby girl who disappeared from a campground in Australia in 1980. The screenplay is based on the book of the same name by John Bryson.
Meryl Streep and Sam Neill play the roles of Lindy and Michael Chamberlain, the parents of Azaria Chamberlain.
The film tells the story of the Chamberlain family and their struggle to prove their innocence after their baby daughter disappeared from a campground in Australia. The public believed they were involved in the baby's death, but they were eventually cleared of all charges.
The film was released in 1988, just two months after the Chamberlains were cleared of all charges against them by the Northern Territory Court of Appeals.
The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising Meryl Streep's performance. However, it was a box office disappointment, grossing only a fraction of its $15 million budget.