Short synopsis:

Based on a true story that shocked the nation in 1965, the film recounts one of the most shocking crimes ever committed against a single victim. Sylvia and Jennie Fae Likens, the two daughters of traveling carnival workers are left for an extended stay at the Indianapolis (3850 E. New York St. is hardly suburban, nor was it in 1965, by any stretch of the imagination.) home of single mother Gertrude Baniszewski and her seven children. Times are tough, and Gertrude’s financial needs cause her to make this arrangement before realizing how the burden will push her unstable nature to a breaking point. What transpires in the next three months is both riveting and horrific.

from IMDB.

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My opinion:

I’ve read about this story even before I learned about the movie earlier this year. I was moved by it, needless to say. It’s a tragic story about how a girl had the misfortune of staying with a family and a woman incapable of taking care of them, much less her own children. It mirrors the situation amongst the poor in many countries around the world.

This movie though, short as I believe it is (there were a lot of tortures that were inflicted on Sylvia), kept to the story at least. Although it showed only some of the tortures (thank goodness, majority of it were already so brutal), it was still able to deliver the message. Ellen Page’s portrayal of Sylvia is truly remarkable, and you’d really feel the pain and suffering emanating from her.  It’s worth seeing Ellen Page on this, and I don’t think it would’ve turned out the way it did if someone else did it.

All in all.. a highly recommended movie. Worth watching.