Synopsis
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.
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Cast
- Nicole BeharieDee Roberts
- Tim Blake NelsonDavid Cohen
- Will PattonSam Conroy
- Michael O'KeefeCalvin Beckett
- Malcolm BarrettByron Hill
- XzibitDarrell Hughes
- Charles S. DuttonReverend Sanders
- Alfre WoodardAlma Roberts
- Tim WareMark Shelby
- Paul David StoryDavid Higgins
Recommendations
- 83
Entertainment Weekly
An artlessly powerful performance by newcomer Nicole Behaire anchors American Violet. - 75
Chicago Sun-Times
American Violet, it's true, is not blazingly original cinema. Tim Disney's direction and the screenplay by Bill Haney are meat and potatoes, making this story clear, direct and righteous. - 70
Variety
Dee is an engaging, admirable lead character, and the striking, petite Beharie, in only her second screen role, is a real winner, bringing energy and fortitude to a woman who easily could have joined the ranks of society's victims and losers. - 70
Washington Post
What sticks in my craw -- just a bit -- is the way the film doesn't fully trust the true story's inherent power. - 60
Los Angeles Times
The narrative is infused with chilling facts, and the filmmakers know how to build their case, but a drama demands more. We should have been immersed in Dee's wrenching journey, not just sitting it out on the sidelines. - 58
The A.V. Club
It’s hard not to get swept up by the film's progressive zeal, but Disney doesn’t allow for much grey area. - 50
New York Magazine (Vulture)
If you're in the mood for a liberal message movie in which the only surprise is no surprise, American Violet is the ticket. - 50
Village Voice
A docudrama with a good heart but a heavy hand.
