Watch True Conviction
- 2018
- 1 hr 24 min
-
7.5 (142)
True Conviction (2017) is a compelling documentary about the life of three ex-convicts, Christopher Scott, Johnnie Lindsey, and Steven Phillips, who formed the Innocence Project of Texas to help wrongly convicted people seek justice. Directed by Jamie Meltzer, the film takes an intimate look at the struggles and victories of these three men, their personal transformations, and the challenges they faced while working to clear the names of innocent prisoners.
The film opens with Christopher Scott, who spent 13 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. In 2003, he was finally released after he convinced the Innocence Project of Texas to take up his case. After his release, he dedicated his life to helping others who were in the same situation he was in. Johnnie Lindsey, who was also wrongly convicted of murder, is another ex-convict who joins Scott in the Innocence Project. He brings with him a keen sense of humor and a heart for helping others. Finally, Steven Phillips, who is the youngest member of the team, was wrongfully imprisoned for a crime when he was just a teen. He joins the group after he was released.
Together, the three men embark on a difficult journey to help others who were wrongly accused of crimes they did not commit. They meet with clients, investigate cases, interview witnesses, and try to find new evidence that could exonerate those who have been unfairly imprisoned. The documentary portrays their tireless efforts, their emotional struggles and the many obstacles they face.
The film showcases the vulnerability and fragility of the people whom they are able to help. The Innocence Project takes on cases that may have been previously considered by traditional law courts, but the people they help often have more complex lives and experiences than traditional defendants. The documentary shows that the Innocence Project is not about simply proving someone's innocence, but about understanding the context in which a crime has been committed.
The film is rich with poignant stories of people trying to find freedom, peace and a new lease on life. The three members of the Innocence Project continue to give hope, even to those who have already lost so much.
One of the most masterful aspects of the film is how it tells stories that are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The people whom the Innocence Project helps are not simply victims. They are mothers, fathers, children, and siblings who had their lives taken from them. The movie portrays their raw emotions, their anger, their sadness, and their hope as they face the daunting prospect of being exonerated.
Moreover, the documentary also provides insight into what it is like for Wrongfully convicted individuals when they first enter prison, and the impact that the experience has on their life. For example, Scott shares that he was angry and violent while in prison, while Phillips shares that he often felt alone and angry. The stories provide context to the work that the Innocence Project does and highlights the importance of what they do.
Throughout the film, we also see the struggles that the three ex-convicts face as they try to balance their work for the Innocence Project with their personal lives. Scott, who is married with children, has to confront the reality that his work can be dangerous, and that he must take care of himself in order to help others. Lindsey, who has been out of prison the longest, provides a unique perspective on life outside of the prison walls. Meanwhile, Phillips, who is the youngest and most inexperienced member of the team, is learning how to balance family life with his work.
Overall, True Conviction is an enlightening documentary that highlights the importance of the Innocence Project and the work they do. The film portrays the ex-convicts who form the Innocence Project as human, empathetic and understanding, which offers key insight into the work they do. The documentary is both gripping and emotional, providing an intimate, compelling look at what it means to pursue justice?and the profound impact it can have on people's lives.