Evil Angels (1988)

Director:

Fred Schepisi

Writers:

John Bryson (novel)
Robert Caswell (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

11 November 1988 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A family torn apart. A public filled with outrage. A woman accused of murder.

Plot:

The story of a mother whose child was killed in an animal attack, only to have herself accused of the infant's murder

Plot Keywords:

Media | Australia | Dingo | Police | Baby

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 8 wins & 9 nominations

Cast

Meryl Streep	...	Lindy Chamberlain
Sam Neill	...	Michael Chamberlain
Dale Reeves	...	Aidan, 6 years
David Hoflin	...	Aidan, 8 years
Jason Reason	...	Aidan, 11 years
Michael Wetter	...	Reagan, 4 years
Kane Barton	...	Reagan, 6 years
Trent Roberts	...	Reagan, 9 years
Lauren Shepherd	...	Azaria
Bethany Ann Prickett	...	Azaria
Alison O'Connell	...	Azaria
Aliza Dason	...	Azaria
Jane Coker	...	Kahlia, new born
Rae-Leigh Henson	...	Kahlia, 18 months
Nicolette Minster	...	Kahlia, 4 years

Also Known As:

Evil Angels (Australia) (literal title) (USA) (literal title)
A Cry in the Dark (International: English title)
Ein Schrei in der Dunkelheit (West Germany) [de]
Ett skrik i mörkret (Sweden) [sv]
Huuto pimeydestä (Finland) [fi]
Karanlikta bir çiglik (Turkey: Turkish title) [tr]
Kravgi sto skotadi (Greece) [el]
Krzyk w ciemnosci (Poland) [pl]
Um Grito de Coragem (Portugal) [pt]
Um Grito no Escuro (Brazil) [pt]
Um Grito no Esuro (Portugal) [pt]
Un cri dans la nuit (France) [fr]
Un grido nella notte (Italy) [it]
Un grito en la oscuridad (Spain) [es]
Zeaka B'Afella (Israel: Hebrew title) [iw]

Runtime:

120 min | 122 min (dvd release)

Country:

Australia | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:L | Germany:12 | Netherlands:12 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Finland:K-14 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13 | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

Company:

Cannon Entertainment

Trivia:

In 1986, Azaria's jacket was found in an area filled with dingo lairs. The case was reopened, and in 1988 the Criminal Appeals Court overturned all convictions against the parents. Two years later, the parents received compensation for wrongful imprisonment.

Quotes:

Lindy Chamberlain: I saw you this afternoon. Gone up the rock with a baby in a backpack. Carried a six-pack; I thought you were cracked!
Greg Lowe: It's bloody thirsty work climbin'.
Michael Chamberlain: You know Greg, the worst thing for a thirst is alcohol.
Greg Lowe: Aw, you gotta be jokin' mate, the worst thing for a thirst is sand!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Nugget (2002)

Good overall

Once you pick your jaw up from off the floor from the realization that they... somehow... managed to put this thing together so fast that it was released the same year the case ended, you'll find that it's not half bad. The plot is engaging and interesting, and the pacing is fast, with this covering many situations, and thus often jumping swiftly on to the next one after a line or two has been spoken. Where this really stands out is the acting. The performances are excellent. Neill and Streep are both impeccable. It's also cool to hear so much Australian spoken in a Hollywood film, and even those who don't come naturally to it at least attempt an accent. The cinematography and editing are nice enough, but they don't really go beyond the standard stuff. This movie's story is compelling and the fact that it is authentic just makes it all the more chilling. While I have not read the novel or heard of what happened outside of this picture, I understand that it is quite close to the truth. There is some moderate to strong language and disturbing content in this. It is, at times, a downright great courtroom drama. I recommend this to any fellow fan of such. 7/10