An American Crime (2007)

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In the ending of "An American Crime," Sylvia Likens, the young girl who has endured horrific abuse, succumbs to her injuries and malnutrition. Her death is discovered, leading to the arrest of Gertrude Baniszewski and her children, who participated in the abuse. The film concludes with a somber reflection on the events, highlighting the tragic consequences of cruelty and neglect.

As the film approaches its climax, the atmosphere in the Baniszewski household grows increasingly tense. Sylvia, portrayed as a fragile yet resilient girl, is subjected to relentless torment by Gertrude Baniszewski and her children. The abuse escalates, with Sylvia being physically beaten, starved, and psychologically tortured. The once vibrant girl becomes a shadow of her former self, her spirit slowly crushed under the weight of the cruelty inflicted upon her.

In the final scenes, Sylvia is seen lying on a filthy mattress in the basement, her body emaciated and covered in bruises. The camera lingers on her frail form, capturing the depth of her suffering. Gertrude, who has become increasingly erratic and paranoid, continues to manipulate her children into participating in the abuse. The other children, including the Baniszewski siblings, are shown grappling with their own complicity in the violence, yet they remain under Gertrude's influence.

As Sylvia's condition deteriorates, she becomes increasingly unresponsive, her eyes reflecting a haunting mixture of fear and resignation. In a chilling moment, Gertrude decides to take Sylvia to the bathroom, where she attempts to clean her up, but the act is devoid of compassion. Instead, it serves as a final act of control, as Gertrude continues to assert her dominance over Sylvia.

The turning point comes when Sylvia, unable to withstand the torment any longer, succumbs to her injuries. Her lifeless body is discovered by the authorities, leading to a shocking revelation of the extent of the abuse she endured. The camera captures the grim reality of the scene, emphasizing the stark contrast between the innocence of a young girl and the monstrous actions of those who were supposed to care for her.

In the aftermath of Sylvia's death, Gertrude Baniszewski is arrested, along with her children, who are charged with various degrees of involvement in the abuse. The film closes with a somber reflection on the events, showing the impact of the tragedy on the community and the legal proceedings that follow. Gertrude's fate is sealed as she faces trial for her crimes, while her children are left to grapple with the consequences of their actions.

The film ends on a haunting note, leaving viewers to ponder the depths of human cruelty and the failure of those who could have intervened. The final images linger, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the darkness that can reside within seemingly ordinary people.

The movie "An American Crime," produced in 2007, does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes with a powerful and somber ending that encapsulates the tragic events surrounding the true story of Sylvia Likens and the abuse she suffered at the hands of Gertrude Baniszewski and her children. The credits roll without any additional scenes or content following them, leaving the audience to reflect on the harrowing narrative and its implications.

Gertrude Baniszewski, portrayed by Catherine Keener, is driven by a combination of her own troubled past, financial struggles, and a desire for control. As a single mother of several children, she feels overwhelmed and powerless in her life. When Sylvia Likens, played by Ellen Page, and her sister are left in her care, Gertrude's frustrations manifest in a cruel and sadistic manner. She projects her own feelings of inadequacy onto Sylvia, using her as a scapegoat for her anger and resentment.

Sylvia and her sister Jenny, played by Hayley McFarland, share a close bond at the beginning of the film, relying on each other for emotional support. However, as the abuse escalates, Jenny becomes increasingly helpless and fearful. She witnesses Sylvia's suffering but feels powerless to intervene. This dynamic shifts as Jenny grapples with her own survival instincts, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking moment where she must choose between her own safety and her loyalty to Sylvia.

Gertrude's children, particularly her son Steve and daughter Paula, become complicit in the abuse of Sylvia Likens. Initially, they are reluctant, but Gertrude's manipulation and encouragement lead them to participate in the torment. The children reflect a disturbing blend of loyalty to their mother and a desire to fit in with their peers, which drives them to engage in increasingly cruel acts against Sylvia, showcasing how the cycle of abuse can perpetuate within a family.

Gertrude Baniszewski subjects Sylvia to a series of horrific abuses, including physical violence, psychological torment, and public humiliation. She forces Sylvia to eat her own feces, burns her with cigarettes, and encourages her children and neighborhood kids to join in the torment. Gertrude's sadistic nature is further revealed as she isolates Sylvia from any potential help, stripping her of her dignity and humanity, which culminates in a tragic and devastating outcome.

The community's reaction to the abuse occurring at the Baniszewski home is marked by a disturbing indifference. Neighbors witness signs of Sylvia's suffering, such as her visible injuries and malnourished state, yet many choose to ignore the situation or dismiss it as family issues. This apathy highlights a broader societal failure to protect vulnerable individuals, as the adults in the community fail to intervene despite the clear signs of abuse, ultimately contributing to the tragic events that unfold.

"An American Crime" is not family-friendly and contains several potentially objectionable or upsetting scenes that may be distressing for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to consider:

1. Physical Abuse: The film depicts severe physical and emotional abuse inflicted on a young girl, which is graphic and disturbing.

2. Psychological Torture: The emotional manipulation and psychological torment experienced by the victim are intense and can be unsettling.

3. Sexual Content: There are implications of sexual abuse and exploitation, which are handled in a sensitive but still distressing manner.

4. Violence: The film includes scenes of violence that are both physical and emotional, showcasing the cruelty of the characters involved.

5. Themes of Isolation and Despair: The overarching themes of neglect, isolation, and despair can be heavy and may be upsetting for viewers.

6. Real-Life Tragedy: The film is based on a true story, which adds a layer of emotional weight and realism that can be particularly jarring.

Due to these elements, the film is recommended for mature audiences only.