An American Crime

In the summer of 1965, Sylvia Likens, a 16-year-old girl, is left in the care of a suburban Indianapolis housewife, Gertrude Baniszewski, while her carnival-worker parents are away. What begins as a temporary arrangement descends into a horrific ordeal of torture, abuse, and neglect by Baniszewski and a group of neighborhood children. Sylvia's unimaginable suffering culminates in her tragic death, exposing the dark underbelly of suburban conformity.

An American Crime garnered significant attention for its unflinching portrayal of a horrific real-life event. Critics widely praised the performances, particularly from Catherine Keener and the then-known as Ellen Page, for their intense and disturbing portrayals. However, the film's graphic nature and bleak subject matter led to mixed reactions regarding its necessity and emotional impact.

• The film is a harrowing and difficult watch, elevated by strong performances.

• Praised for its commitment to depicting the grim reality of the events.

• Some critics found the graphic nature gratuitous, while others saw it as essential to the story.

Google audience: Audiences found the film deeply disturbing and emotionally impactful, with many commending the acting. However, the intense violence and subject matter were frequently cited as being difficult to endure.

Screened at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007.

The film is based on the true story of Sylvia Likens, whose brutal murder in Indianapolis in 1965 shocked the nation and brought the concept of child torture into public awareness.