Conviction movie is based on the true story of a single mother Betty Ann Waters, who acquired law degree so that she could prove her brother Kenny innocence who has been wrongly convicted of murder. The movie is directed by Tony Goldwyn and stars Hilary Swank as Betty Ann Waters and Sam Rockwell plays the role of her brother Kenneth Waters.
Betty Anne Waters, a high-school dropout worked as a waitress. Her brother, Kenny was charged with the murder of neighbour in 1983 and sentenced to life imprisonment after his two ex-girlfriends testified that he had told them that he killed the victim. Betty had faith that brother was innocent and could not commit such a horrific crime. In order to prove his innocence and because of his request, she enrolled in law school and became his attorney. Kenny asked Betty to join school again and become a lawyer to prove his innocence. He told her that the only way he would survive prison is if she fights his case. She became a lawyer and began investigating Kenny's case and took the help of Innocence Project, an organization set up by lawyer Barry Scheck that took up cases to court based on DNA evidence. With DNA testing, she proved her brother’s innocence in 2001 and Kenny was able to walk free after spending 18 years in prison.
The story of Betty Ann Waters is full of setbacks. Feeling neglected her husband left her and then her children went to live with him, but not once did she give up on saving her brother. Her marriage fell apart, her family suffered but she was determined. It was because of her strong determination and her quest to prove his innocence that Kenny was a free man after 18 years. Six months after he was released, Kenny died. Betty never practised law again as she became a lawyer only to save her brother. The movie is about Betty Ann Waters’ conviction that her brother Kenny did not carry out the murder. The determination to save her brother and her brother's faith is what kept Betty going despite the setbacks. Conviction inspires women to do great things in life and fight for what is right.
