Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critics What's this?

  • Starring: Alfre Woodard, Nicole Beharie, Will Patton
  • Summary: Based on true events during the 2000 election, American Violet tells the astonishing story of Dee Roberts, a 24 year-old African American single mother of four young girls living in a small Texas town tow is barely able to make ends meet. While police drag Dee from work in handcuffs, dumping her in the squalor of the women’s county prison, the powerful local district attorney leads an extensive drug bust, sweeping her house projects with military precision. Dee has no prior drug record and no drugs were found a hellish choice: plead guilty and go home as a convicted felon or remain in a prison, jeopardizing her custody and risking a long prison sentence. She chooses to fight the district attorney and the unyielding criminal justice system, risking everything in a battle that forever changes her life and the Texas justice system. (The Samuel Goldwyn Films) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 18
  2. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. An artlessly powerful performance by newcomer Nicole Behaire anchors American Violet.
  2. A message movie that's genuinely worth watching.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. JuanaH.
    10
    I saw this movie and it really was an eyeopener as to how the justice system works for some. The young actress did a great job.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. JayH.
    6
    Predictable but generally well done drama. Nicole Beharie is excellent in the lead role. Fair screenplay, it didn’t really have anything new to offer. Alfre Woodard is always good. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

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