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Trial by Fire

Play trailer 2:24 Poster for Trial by Fire R Released May 17, 2019 2h 7m Drama Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 70 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Cameron Todd Willingham, a poor, uneducated heavy metal devotee who has a violent streak and a criminal record, is convicted of arson-related triple homicide in 1992. During his 12 years on death row, Elizabeth Gilbert, an improbable ally, uncovers questionable methods and illogical conclusions in his case and battles with the state to expose suppressed evidence that could save him.
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Trial by Fire

Trial by Fire

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Critics Consensus

Trial by Fire has a worthy -- and heartbreaking -- story to tell, but this well-acted dramatization is undermined by its aggressively manipulative approach.

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Critics Reviews

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Clarisse Loughrey Independent (UK) Trial by Fire... forces Willingham through a kind of poetic transformation. Rated: 2/5 Dec 10, 2020 Full Review Ty Burr Boston Globe Powerful stuff, but unpowerfully told, in part because the energies in "Trial by Fire" are split between proving Todd Willingham's innocence and building an argument against the death penalty no matter what the verdict. Rated: 1.5/4 May 24, 2019 Full Review David Edelstein New York Magazine/Vulture The movie is painstakingly well made and murderously hard to sit through. May 20, 2019 Full Review M.N. Miller Ready Steady Cut Unbroken‘s Jack O’Connell carries Trial by Fire and gives a combustible turn as an unlikeable man who loved his children dearly, but who can’t get out of his own way. Rated: 3/5 Aug 22, 2022 Full Review Kat Hughes THN The intricate and emotional beats are played out beautifully on screen by Jack O'Connell and Laura Dern. Rated: 4/5 Dec 7, 2020 Full Review Steven Prokopy Third Coast Review Trial by Fire is beautifully acted, especially by Dern, who plays a woman who is looking for purpose while also trying to raise her kids right, even though they don't always believe in what she's doing. Rated: 3/4 Jul 28, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jess F It’s a good movie but unless you’re ready for a very sad ending, don’t watch. I was bawling at the end. I didn’t realize it was a true story until the end either. Very sad and needs to be told, but wish I would have known going into it. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/20/25 Full Review Christopher R Acting and story was over embellished to the point of unbelievable. Lost interest after 45 mins. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/25 Full Review SkyRo P “Trial by Fire” recounts the harrowing true story of a man from a disadvantaged background who suffers the unimaginable loss of three children in a tragic fire. He is unjustly accused of deliberately setting the blaze that claimed their lives. Jack O’Connell stars as Todd, a role that may not have been familiar to many, yet he delivers a powerful performance. The director masterfully weaves together the film's narrative, steering clear of romantic clichés and instead crafting a gripping thriller that keeps viewers emotionally invested in Todd's plight. Laura Dern portrays Elizabeth, who serves as a pen pal to the wrongly accused man, adding depth to the story. From the outset, the audience is aware of Todd's innocence, yet we witness the brutal reality of the judicial system as it subjects him to mistreatment and manipulation. The film exposes the corruption within the legal framework, highlighting how the district attorney resorts to unethical tactics, including bribery, to serve his own interests. This starkly illustrates a system that is rigged against those with fewer resources, leaving them without a fighting chance. Ultimately, the film presents a chilling commentary on the state of justice in the United States, where the presumption of innocence has been replaced by a presumption of guilt, especially for those without financial means. Todd’s fate, dictated by speculation and a lack of proper investigation, underscores the deep flaws in the system. The poignant conclusion of Todd's journey and struggles leaves a lasting impression, particularly knowing that it is based on a true story. It’s a powerful film that I wholeheartedly recommend for its compelling narrative and emotional depth. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/17/25 Full Review Wendi S This had so much potential but REALLY sad. Perhaps it is a true story that needed to be told but unless you want to cry for days. Maybe skip it. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/25 Full Review Kirsten W It was a powerful movie. In recent years I've reversed my position against the death penalty. I stopped believing in Christian values. I realized that other people don't live by them. And that humans need to kill. And that there are people so evil minded that they can't be contained. But this movie makes me think I was right before. On death row he yells that he wouldn't treat a dog like he's being treated. He was innocent and they couldn't get the Governer to read new evidence. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/25 Full Review B N Good acting on a based on true story is with no doubt a great movie that will engage you emotionally. Fortunately this movie had a really bad bad bad acting. I give it 3 starts because it’s still a good story and keep me watching to find out the unexpected ending. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/16/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Trial by Fire

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Movie Info

Synopsis Cameron Todd Willingham, a poor, uneducated heavy metal devotee who has a violent streak and a criminal record, is convicted of arson-related triple homicide in 1992. During his 12 years on death row, Elizabeth Gilbert, an improbable ally, uncovers questionable methods and illogical conclusions in his case and battles with the state to expose suppressed evidence that could save him.
Director
Edward Zwick
Producer
Edward Zwick, Allyn Stewart, Kipp Nelson, Alex Soros
Screenwriter
Geoffrey Fletcher
Distributor
Roadside Attractions
Production Co
Roadside Attractions, Universal Studios Inc.
Rating
R (Disturbing Images|Brief Nudity|Language Throughout|Sexual Material|Some Violence)
Genre
Drama, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 17, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 30, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$143.3K
Runtime
2h 7m
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