Herz in Fesseln

This movie is a minor miracle, as it has avoided almost every obvious pitfall in re-telling the true story of a mother accused of murdering her baby. Instead of the sentimental, cliche ridden tear-jerker you would expect from such unpromising material, what we have here is a top quality murder mystery suspense thriller. The script keeps you guessing until the closing stages.

A circle of family members come under the shadow of suspicion as all the events of the baby's death are gradually laid bare. Although the mother is charged with murder, there is constant doubt whether she or someone else is the guilty party, or whether there could be an innocent explanation after all. Indeed the suspicion between close family members who themselves don't know the truth of the matter, provides the basis for the tension and suspense which keeps this story interesting.

Along the way, some of the less attractive aspects of the US legal system are laid bare, as well as the unbelievable sexism which is never commented on, but which pervades all the events (I'm a guy and even I noticed it!).

Although the final stages of the movie fall away to a less convincing level of scripting, I'm willing to forgive that for the excellent mystery that's gone before.

Unfortunately, if you live in the USA and you've read all about the facts of the real Laurie Samuels legal case, then there will be no surprises for you and you can go for a walk in the fresh air, instead of watching this movie which will tell you nothing you don't already know.