Trial by Fire

Powerful, heartbreaking and tragic. This film is seriously underrated and I only imagine because its ratings have been influenced by politics.

Jack O'Connell delivered his career-best performance in this as Cameron Todd Willingham. The transformation of Todd is perfectly brought to life by O'Connell during the course of the film. It helps that he shares excellent, heartwarming chemistry with Laura Dern who has come to play such roles so effortlessly. It was a joy to watch them share the screen.

That's mostly where the joys end though. This is a sad film that takes the tragedies to a whole new level - just when you think it not possible. It will more than likely leave you depressed - as it did me. But it also does the story justice, and is sensitive in its delivery. It doesn't paint Willingham as some saint the whole time, which adds authenticity.

The bond which develops between Todd and main correctional officer, Daniels (Chris Coy) was great to watch.

Trial By Fire is a thought-provoking film and will not only get you thinking about capital punishment, but life itself. Highly recommend to those after a heavy-hitting drama, or for fans of O'Connell and Dern.