A Cry In The Dark | Prejudices And Justice | The Critique

Public opinion can influence judgments. Anybody who has an idea who Jesus was, will understand. A Cry In The Dark presents a similar situation where public opinion took precedence over truth and exposes the reliability of jury-system. Made in a docu-drama style, the movie hits hard on the role media plays in creating sensational news and affecting mindset of people involved. Based on Evil’s Angles written by  John Bryson is based on true story of Chamberlains.

 

Michael and Lindy are blessed with a girl child Azaria. They go on camping with bunch of friends. While they are enjoying their dinner, a cry is heard. As it turns out, a dingo is  suspected to have taken away their daughter. Distraught couple accept the fact and make peace with it. However, people around them smell some rot. How can a couple who lost their 2-month old daughter accept it as His wish? Rumors and malicious media reports start creating an anti-Chamberlains mood in court. Lindy, the prime suspect, decides against showing fake emotions to change the course of verdict in her direction. She stands by her beliefs irrespective of what follows.

 

Sam Neill had a difficult role to play. One reason was the emotion baggage this role carries and the second reason was that he was playing a role opposite to Meryl Streep. Sam Neill gave a performance which he must be very proud of. Meryl nails it again. The difficult part was the prejudice the character evokes. Even if you know the reality, it’s difficult to ‘not’ think like what people did. They believed that Lindy was guilty and at some point, you will endorse similar emotions. Her portrayal makes it very difficult to feel for the character and this is exactly what happened for Lindy. She carries the burden of cross and how well. Meryl Streep excelled, like always. The characters play their part so honestly you will almost sense a deja-vu. When the credits roll, you will realize what prejudices can do to justice.

 

Fred Schepisi clinical approach works brilliantly. Aided by a very well written book in the foundation, Fred uses a mix of different mediums of storytelling and blends documentary elements with drama so well that one might not notice the difference. Media as a character plays a strong role and the way it is developed is an example to follow. Rated at par with best in the genre, A Cry In The Dark is a movie that might fade away from memory but it might survive in nightmares. Such strong is the impact. Such strong were the performances.

 

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh