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The Netflix top 10 has shifted quite a bit in recent days.
For starters, the original rom-com La Dolce Villa has rocketed straight to No.
1 spot over the Presidents' Day weekend, while action-thriller Aftermath sits in the runners-up spot.
However, its the flick just behind these two that has caught my eye.
As of writing, Trial by Fire ranks as the No.
Never heard of Trial by Fire?
Im not super surprised.
Gilberts findings suggest that some of the states key witnesses arent as reliable as presented.
She also learns that evidence that could raise a reasonable doubt about Willinghams guilt is being suppressed.
Both movies explore a surprising relationship between a death row inmate and a compassionate stranger sympathetic to their plight.
The key difference between the two is the element of doubt.
In Dead Man Walking, Matthew Poncelets (Penn) guilt is never in question.
Or at least, initially, its presented this way.
Laura Derns role is well within her wheelhouse.
Playing Gilbert doesnt challenge her, but shes as reliable as ever.
Jack OConnell is given the films most intense material and thrives on it.
Willingham is a complex character.
Hes a deeply flawed individual, but OConnell manages to make him equally sympathetic.
Plus, the movies exploration of the morality of the death penalty is engaging.
This is especially apparent in the third act.
Rarely are the emotions of a scene left to breathe.
Instead, everything is ramped up to ensure maximum melodrama.
Over onRotten Tomatoes, Trial by Fire has scored a respectable 63% with critics.
Audiences were similarly impressed rating the movie 70% on RT’s meter.
The most recent user reviews call the movie powerful and harrowing praising its emotional depth.
Should you stream Trial by Fire on Netflix?
Its by no means an easy watch, but its got some important things to say.
Nevertheless, its a well-made biographical drama that makes a compelling case for itself.
