Watch Conviction

Conviction is a 2010 biographical drama film directed by Tony Goldwyn and starring Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, and Melissa Leo. The story is based on the real-life experiences of Betty Anne Waters, a working mother from Massachusetts whose brother Kenny is wrongfully accused of murder and sentenced to life in prison. The movie follows Betty Anne's journey as she becomes her brother's advocate, driving herself to become a lawyer to clear his name. Despite having no experience in the legal field, Betty Anne throws herself into her studies, attending law school while raising her two children and working odd jobs to pay for her tuition. She eventually discovers DNA evidence that could exonerate Kenny, but her journey to clear her brother's name is far from over.

The performances in Conviction are all top-notch. Hilary Swank is utterly convincing as Betty Anne Waters, bringing both grit and vulnerability to the role. Melissa Leo, who plays Kenny's accuser, is also excellent, imbuing her character with a sense of malice and self-righteousness that make her seem all the more despicable. But it is Sam Rockwell who steals the show as Kenny Waters, giving a nuanced and heart-wrenching performance as a man who has been wronged by the system.

The film manages to be both hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time, showing both the resilience of the human spirit and the injustices that still exist within the justice system. The story is engaging throughout, with Goldwyn balancing the weighty subject matter with moments of humor and levity.

The cinematography is also notable, with the film's color palette reflecting the changing moods of the story. The early scenes are washed out and bleak, mirroring Betty Anne's bleak prospects as a single mother living in poverty. As she begins to study law and fight for her brother, the colors become more vibrant and saturated, reflecting the newfound hope in her life.

Overall, Conviction is a powerful and uplifting film that tells a gripping story of love, perseverance, and the quest for justice. It is a testament to the power of one person's determination to make a difference and to never give up hope in the face of adversity.

Conviction is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 61.