Where can I watch An American Crime?

An American Crime, released in 2007, delves into the harrowing true story of Gertrude Baniszewski, a seemingly ordinary suburban housewife whose dark side surfaces in the most chilling ways. Set in the 1960s, the film explores the shocking events surrounding the abuse of Sylvia Likens, a teenage girl who becomes a victim of Gertrude's sadistic cruelty. Locked away in the depths of Baniszewski’s home, Sylvia endures a horrific ordeal that grips both the community and the audience, raising unsettling questions about morality, complicity, and the nature of evil.

The film artfully weaves together elements of biography, crime, and drama, providing a stark portrayal of the psychological dynamics that led a mother to commit such atrocious acts. Ellen Page delivers a haunting performance as Sylvia, capturing the fragility and resilience of her character amidst unimaginable suffering. Catherine Keener's portrayal of Gertrude is equally compelling, embodying a complex antagonist whose motivations are as perplexing as they are terrifying. An American Crime does not shy away from depicting the darker aspects of human nature, and it invites viewers to reflect on the societal failures that allowed such a crime to unfold, making it a gripping watch for those drawn to intense, thought-provoking narratives.