With the success of films like Walk the Line and Capote (and by success I mean good performance and box office success, as opposed to being satisfying in any significant way), it’s only inevitable that a flurry of films based on true lives and true events would pour through. Last year already saw The Last King of Scotland and The Queen, which will prove that similar films will continue to be green-lit. And while I find a lot of these films lacking in elements such as… theme, and, well, story, this film could be interesting.

An American Crime is about the true story of Gertrude Baniszewski (or, The Torture Mother if you prefer), who in the mid 60s took on two adolescent boarders, Sylvia and Jenny Likens, but soon took to beating them, especially Sylvia. Sylvia ended up being flung in the basement, with all sorts of atrocities being inflicted upon her, and it seems the whole bloody neighbourhood chipped in. Even Gertrude’s own children tortured the girl on their own evil initiative.

It’s a very dark tale, and the writer and director has been given a great opportunity to explore the notion of one rotten apple spoiling the bunch, as well as being a great tale of the damaging effects of sexual conservatism (it’s believed that one of the catalysts for Gertrude’s savagery was overhearing Sylvia discussing a recent petting experience). It’s only a pity that Tommy O’Haver is both writer AND director, with a career like this. Nevertheless, Gertrude is played by Catherine Keener, who has always ben great in her roles, and this may enable her to shine fully.

An American Crime is due for release in the U.S. in August.