

Out drinking one night after a fight with her boyfriend, three men brutally rape Sarah Tobias in a bar while people watch and cheer. District Attorney Kathryn Murphy takes the case; however, she allows the rapists to receive a mild sentence. A distraught Sarah decides to seek punishment for the men who witnessed and encouraged the rape. To get justice, Sarah must take the stand and revisit the night of her attack.
Acting
Foster's raw, feral testimony scene — won her Oscar, deserved ten.
Direction
Kaplan makes you sit in the bystanders' guilt. No easy outs.

Director
Jonathan Kaplan
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This film directly inspired real legal changes to 'rape shield laws' and how bystanders could be prosecuted. The 1983 New Bedford case had actual spectators who faced charges.
Jodie Foster was only 23 and initially rejected the role three times. The real Sarah Tobias attended the premiere and told Foster she finally felt heard.
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