Watch Crimes of the Heart

Crimes of the Heart, released in 1986, is a film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Beth Henley. The movie boasts an impressive cast, including Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange, and Sissy Spacek playing the three Magrath sisters, Lenny, Meg, and Babe, respectively. The movie is set in Mississippi, and it revolves around the three sisters and their familial relationships. Lenny (Diane Keaton) has remained unmarried and lives by herself when she is not taking care of their grandfather. She struggles with feelings of loneliness and insecurity, and finds solace in her relationships with her sisters, especially during a moment of crisis.

Meg (Jessica Lange), the middle sister, is an aspiring singer and actress who has been living in Hollywood, but she returns to visit her sisters after a long absence. She is the most rebellious sister and has a history of promiscuity and drug use. Her return pulls her sisters back into her drama-filled orbit, and the three women find themselves entangled in various predicaments.

Babe (Sissy Spacek), the youngest sister, is the catalyst for the dramatic events that occur throughout the movie. She has recently been released on bail after shooting her wealthy husband, Zachary, in the stomach. Babe's reasoning for the shooting is that Zachary had been beating her, and she had reached her breaking point. However, the details surrounding the event are murky, and the sisters are left to navigate the legal and personal consequences of the situation.

As the story progresses, the sisters are forced to confront their own issues as well as their strained relationships with one another. Lenny's insecurities are compounded by her jealousy of Meg's apparent beauty and success, while Meg struggles with her own fear of failure and desire to live a free-spirited life. Babe grapples with feelings of guilt and the possibility of a prison sentence, while Lenny and Meg come to terms with their own failures as sisters.

The movie's plot is a mixture of drama and dark comedy, with occasional moments of levity sprinkled throughout. The witty dialogue and Southern charm of the characters bring an endearing quality to the film, providing a balance to the more intense emotional moments. The characters are complex and deeply flawed, making them more relatable to the audience.

The performances of the three leading ladies are excellent, with each actress bringing her own unique presence to the role. Diane Keaton is subdued yet powerful in her portrayal of the timid Lenny, while Jessica Lange is magnetic as the dynamic and unpredictable Meg. Sissy Spacek shines as the innocent and naive Babe who is thrust into a world of chaos.

Throughout the movie, the themes of family, love, and forgiveness, are explored, as the sisters navigate their personal lives and grow to understand one another on a deeper level. The film's ending is satisfying and brings closure to the various subplots.

In conclusion, Crimes of the Heart is an emotionally resonant movie that explores the complexities of familial relationships. The strong and dynamic performances by the three leading ladies provide a heartfelt portrayal of sisterhood that is sure to resonate with audiences. The film is a must-watch for fans of Southern gothic literature and those who appreciate a well-crafted drama with a touch of comedy.

Crimes of the Heart is a 1986 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 58.