Conviction
Performance & Direction: Conviction Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Conviction (2010) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Conviction features a noteworthy lineup led by Hilary Swank . Supported by the likes of Sam Rockwell and Minnie Driver , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Conviction
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2010, Conviction is a Drama film directed by Tony Goldwyn. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Hilary Swank.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. When Betty Anne Waters' older brother Kenny is arrested for murder and sentenced to life in 1983, Betty Anne, a Massachusetts wife and mother of two, dedicates her life to overturning the murder conviction. Convinced that her brother is innocent, Betty Anne puts herself through high school, college and, finally, law school in an 18 year quest to free Kenny. With the help of best friend Abra Rice, Betty Anne pores through suspicious evidence mounted by small town cop Nancy Taylor, meticulously retracing the steps that led to Kenny's arrest. Belief in her brother - and her quest for the truth - pushes Betty Anne and her team to uncover the facts and utilize DNA evidence with the hope of exonerating Kenny. The screenplay takes time to develop Hilary Swank's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Hilary Swank's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Conviction
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Tony Goldwyn, Conviction resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Hilary Swank, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Conviction reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Conviction?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Hilary Swank or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Conviction
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $11.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Conviction Budget
The estimated production budget for Conviction is $12.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Conviction
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Where to Watch Conviction Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeConviction Parents Guide & Age Rating
2010 AdvisoryWondering about Conviction age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Conviction is 107 minutes (1h 47m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Conviction is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2010 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Conviction worth watching?
Conviction is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Conviction parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Conviction identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Conviction?
The total duration of Conviction is 107 minutes, which is approximately 1h 47m long.
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How Conviction Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Conviction
Good performance and interesting story but excessively long.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
