“Prisoners talk about doing time. On the row, there is no time.”
The statement, so simple in nature, sends a chill down your back as the words ring painfully true for those who face death before freedom. If Edward Zwick’s Trial by Fire can match this level of eeriness and deep pain throughout - this film is going to be good.
Set amidst the rough landscape of small-town Texas, USA, Trial by Fire tells the true story of a man’s death row sentence (convicted for killing his own children) and the mother of two who fights hard for his freedom.
The film’s debut trailer incorporates a substantial amount of interview dialogue, often placed over rather cliché moments from other like-minded films. Thankfully Jack O’Connell and Laura Dern appear on-point with their performances, catapulting this one to the top of my personal must-see list.
After its premiere at Telluride last year the film stirred up a bit of controversy. Based on The New Yorker article by David Grann, one has to wonder if this film will break the mold and attack the more massive, systematic issues head-on. Fans will be able to judge for themselves when Trial by Fire hits select theaters May 17.
