An American Crime
Seen it?2007 | 97 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It's still drawing plenty of interest, but middling reviews (40% on Rotten Tomatoes) held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and horror fans. If you loved Sleepers or Cape Fear, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Scary, dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence.
- Critics were cooler on it than audiences.
The true story of suburban housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in the basement of her Indiana home during the 1960s.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
40% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 315K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Tommy O'Haver
- Catherine KeenerGertrude Baniszewski
- Elliot PageSylvia Likens
- James FrancoAndy
- Bradley WhitfordProsecutor
- Ari GraynorPaula Baniszewski
- Nick SearcyLester Likens
- Michael O'KeefeBill Collier
- Romy RosemontBetty Likens
- Jeremy SumpterCoy Hubbard
- Evan PetersRicky Hobbs