Based on the 1965 true story that shocked the nation.
When Lester and Betty Likens (Nick Searcy, Romy Rosemont) need to leave their two girls behind while they travel the carnival circuit, they pay Gertrude Baniszewski (Catherine Keener) $20 a week to care for the girls, Sylvia (Ellen Page) and Jennie (Hayley McFarland).
Gertrude was raising six children on her own in Indianapolis, so the added money was most welcome. Little did Sylvia and Jennie's parents know, however, how mentally unstable Gertrude. What resulted was one of the most horrendous crimes of child abuse in the nation.
Also appearing are Ari Graynor, James Franco, Scout Taylor-Compton, Tristan Jarred, Hannah Leigh Dworkin, Bradley Whitford, Michael O'Keefe.
Co-written and directed by Tommy O'Haver who grew up in Indianapolis and remembers this crime well.
Run time: 1 hour, 38 minutes
Rated R for strong and disturbing depiction of child abuse and torture.
My personal rating: B
When Lester and Betty Likens (Nick Searcy, Romy Rosemont) need to leave their two girls behind while they travel the carnival circuit, they pay Gertrude Baniszewski (Catherine Keener) $20 a week to care for the girls, Sylvia (Ellen Page) and Jennie (Hayley McFarland).
Gertrude was raising six children on her own in Indianapolis, so the added money was most welcome. Little did Sylvia and Jennie's parents know, however, how mentally unstable Gertrude. What resulted was one of the most horrendous crimes of child abuse in the nation.
Also appearing are Ari Graynor, James Franco, Scout Taylor-Compton, Tristan Jarred, Hannah Leigh Dworkin, Bradley Whitford, Michael O'Keefe.
Co-written and directed by Tommy O'Haver who grew up in Indianapolis and remembers this crime well.
Run time: 1 hour, 38 minutes
Rated R for strong and disturbing depiction of child abuse and torture.
My personal rating: B
