Fresh
While it may be about as subtle as a swinging sledgehammer, it does leave its mark.
John Hartl, Seattle Times
Overview
A young single mother of four living in a small Texas town. Arrested during a drug raid and accused of a crime she didn't commit, Dee goes against the wishes of her mother, Alma, and rejects the plea-bargain that would free her from jail, but brand her as a felon for life. As word begins to spread that similar incidents are occurring in poor communities all across the country, Dee realizes that there are more mothers out there like her, and decides to take a stand against powerful district attorney Calvin Beckett. Now, despite being well aware of District Attorney Beckett's fierce reputation, Dee enlists the aid of ACLU attorney David Cohen and former narcotics officer Sam Conroy in overcoming the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that, if not navigated with the greatest of caution, now threaten to destroy her life. With the custody of her children on the line, one brave mother wages a valiant battle to strike at the very heart of the corrupt Texas justice system.
Director and cast
- Tim Disney Director
- Nicole Beharie as Dee Roberts
- Tim Blake Nelson as David Cohen
- Will Patton as Sam Conroy
- Michael O'Keefe as Calvin Beckett
- Malcolm Barrett as Byron Hill
- Xzibit as Darrell Hughes
- Charles S. Dutton as Reverend Sanders
- Alfre Woodard as Alma Roberts
- Tim Ware as Mark Shelby
- Paul David Story as David Higgins
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
75%
Tomatometer
Rotten
A well-played if too-familiar story of oppression and injustice.
Tom Long, Detroit News
Fresh
A conventional but wholly gripping docudrama.
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle
Fresh
American Violet dramatizes Kelly's case, and does so in a way that will leave audiences applauding in their seats -- and wondering how much of the film is true.
Jonathan Curiel, San Francisco Chronicle
Fresh
Director Tim Disney and screenwriter Bill Haney lay out Dee's story with a minimum of fuss. They are smart enough to realize that the material is compelling all on its own.
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
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