Conviction - A Movie Review

We can’t give up.

Based on true events, Conviction was released to theaters in 2010. Kenny Waters is wrongly convicted of murder. His sister, Betty Anne Waters, a hard-working mother puts herself through law school and works endlessly to prove her brother’s innocence.

I had Conviction on my watch list to witness the incredible talents of Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell sharing the screen. Conviction is a well-directed drama that enforces themes about law and family. What lengths would you go to bring justice to your loved ones?

Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell are two amazing actors, playing siblings, Kenny and Betty Anne Waters. They are both driven actors who have conducted impressive versatile ranges. I have become a big fan of Rockwell so I will watch anything with him. Any character Rockwell plays is incredible, adding depth, charm, and humor.

For her portrayal, Swank chose not to meet the real person so she could depict her own character. Amidst her busy life, getting a divorce, raising two sons, and attending law school, Betty’s love for her brother is humble. Swank achieves a difficult emotional performance and commendable perseverance for her character.

Swank and Rockwell enforce honest performances to make this relationship feel real. I loved the sibling relationship the actors portrayed. My favorite moment was Kenny celebrating Betty’s successful law school grade, shouting the triumphs all throughout the prison. All siblings have different relationships, but films like these are necessary to showcase positive portrayals.

Conviction stars an excellent supporting cast. Abra Rice (Minnie Driver) wins the greatest friend award. Driver did an excellent job in the role. Abra helps Betty at all costs and boosts her confidence when Betty is at a loss. That is a true friend.

Melissa Leo is another versatile actress, playing Sargeant Nancy Taylor. More credits include Conor Donovan, John Pyper-Ferguson, Bailee Madison, and Tobias Campbell. Major credit to Madison and Campbell for their portrayals as the younger sibling counterparts. They also conducted a believable sibling relationship.

Aside from acting, I didn’t know Tony Goldwyn directed movies. This movie spent ten years in development, and almost didn’t get made! Goldwyn pays respect to the real siblings and met with Betty Anne throughout the production to ensure he didn’t fabricate details.

Conviction shouts family love as the film captures the heart of the sibling relationship. Goldwyn was drawn to the relationship between Betty and Kenny and Betty’s endless 18 1/2-year battle to free her brother from prison.

Goldwyn’s direction works at a steady pace, allowing the story to unfold and avoid melodrama. It keeps audiences engaged throughout the entire film. He emphasizes the human elements in the story. Conviction is more than a courtroom drama; examining a story about resilience, sibling love, and law.

The world of law is an important character of its own. Betty is piled up in loads of law research. If topics on law don’t suit viewers, Conviction may not be the film for you. Ironically, the law portions didn’t appeal to Goldwyn either. He chose to focus more on the emotional aspect of the sibling dynamic.

The research that went into this film is incredible. The real Betty Waters said of the film, ‘Not every scene happened, but every emotion happened.” The emotion is one of the most genuine parts of the film. However, it’s weird how the film didn’t acknowledge the passing of the late Kenny Waters.

I implore you, do not skip this movie. Conviction is a simple dramatic story that was told well. I highly recommend you watch the film for its mesmerizing performance.