A Gripping True-Crime Drama with a Stellar Lead Performance
Based on the true story of a shocking murder in a tight-knit Texas community, A Killing in a Small Town (1990) is a riveting exploration of human psychology and small-town secrets. Directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, this made-for-TV movie transcends its format with a deeply compelling narrative and a standout performance from Barbara Hershey.
Hershey delivers a career-defining turn as Candy Morrison, a seemingly ordinary housewife whose involvement in a gruesome crime unravels a dark and complex story. Her portrayal is nuanced and chilling, capturing Candy's internal conflict and the simmering emotions beneath her outwardly composed demeanor. Hershey's performance earned her an Emmy Award, and rightfully so-it anchors the film and elevates it to a must-watch drama.
The screenplay is expertly crafted, peeling back layers of the crime with a slow-burn intensity that keeps the audience engaged. The film explores themes of repression, moral ambiguity, and the facades people maintain in seemingly idyllic communities. Gyllenhaal's direction enhances the tension, using stark visuals and deliberate pacing to emphasize the suffocating atmosphere of small-town life.
Supporting performances are equally strong, with Brian Dennehy as the defense attorney who crafts a controversial yet compelling case for Candy. His dynamic courtroom scenes inject energy into the narrative and highlight the moral complexities at play. The film also benefits from a haunting score that underscores its eerie and unsettling tone.
While A Killing in a Small Town occasionally feels constrained by its TV movie roots, its powerful performances and thought-provoking themes more than compensate. It's a gripping and emotionally resonant depiction of a true-crime story that leaves a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts:
A Killing in a Small Town is an exceptional example of a true-crime drama done right. With Barbara Hershey's unforgettable performance and its exploration of the darker side of human nature, this film remains a standout in the genre.
Rating: 7/10
A haunting and compelling portrayal of crime, psychology, and the secrets that fester beneath the surface of small-town life.
