Viewers who settle into watch "Gosnell: America's Biggest Serial Killer," may be forgiven for briefly wondering if they have the right film because after a clip of Sarah Jane Morris running in exercise gear down an idyllic suburban street (always a sign of Major Inner Conflict), the scene shifts to detective (Dean Cain) getting to the chapel of love late but still in time to see the bride safely to the altar. But then we hop to the real action, as Dean and his partner's undercover sting at a drugstore is crashed by none other than the FBI. Understandably rattled, the woman clutching her bag of Oxy-Contin blurts out that she got the scripts from Dr. Gosnell, (Earl Billings) a Philadelphia abortionist who has been practicing since the seventies, providing affordable services to low-income minority women. This prompts a visit to the clinic where the SWAT team is greeted by a balding, bespectacled man with a grandfatherly demeanor who inquires as to whether there's been a break-in. Judging from the disarray that greets the detectives before the doctor arrived on the scene, this is a good cover story. Informed otherwise, the seemingly unflappable Earl checks a patient (who appears ready to deliver a house), chops up some food for his beloved exotic turtles, then settles in with a bag of takeout. His "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood," vibe is slightly muted when the detectives later raid his home, after hearing from a former clinic employee about a disturbing practice Earl has of ending the life of newborns by snipping the spinal cord with scissors - not to mention a patient who died following an abortion. Hauled off in handcuffs at last, Earl appears to see himself as a martyr of sorts. "This is what happens when you try to help people," he laments.
Dean, whose righteous indignation and determination to see the bad guy brought to justice echoes Mark Ruffalo in "Spotlight," and Sarah Jane work to gather evidence to prosecute Earl, though they're warned by the District Attorney (Michael Beach) to focus on the death, not the practice of abortion itself. He also tries to warn them about handling the glare of the media spotlight, although when the team arrives at the courthouse, there's virtually no one there. One exception is a young blogger (Cylina Figleo) who has valuable information that later helps convict Earl and who is instrumental in lighting a fire - if a belated one - under the mainstream media. The team has a formidable opponent in Earl's lawyer (Nick Searcy), who behaves as if he's popped in fresh from "A Few Good Men." But as former employees and patients of Earl testify about his appalling treatment of newborn infants, the tide turns in favor of Dean and Sarah Jane.
"Gosnell" came out in theaters near Halloween, joining films about the horrors of the supernatural to compete at the box office. Ultimately it did a superb job of showing that the evil that lurks in the heart of humankind is equally as horrifying.
Prime Video
Gosnell: America's Biggest Serial Killer
The shocking true story of the investigation and trial of Dr Kermit Gosnell - his 30 year killing spree and those that tried to cover it up.
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- Supporting actors
- Nick Searcy
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- John Sullivan
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- GVN Releasing
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- PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
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Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2018
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
By R. Woodard on December 14, 2018
I am Pro-Life, but don't stop reading because of that. This is a movie about how terribly wrong things can go when those entrusted with oversight fail to do so because it's a "political issue." Dr. Kermit Gosnell was indited, prosecuted and convicted not because he was an abortion practitioner, but because he practiced infanticide, delivering babies then "snipping" their spinal cords. He was also responsible for the death of one or more women who came to him looking for help. This is a compelling, but not visually graphic, movie. Produced as an independent film because no one in Hollywood would touch it. Truly a work of art based solely on the facts of the investigation, grand jury and trial transcripts. The producers, writers, directors, actors, actresses and crew deserve accolades for making this story known.
By R. Woodard on December 14, 2018
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Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2019
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Top reviews from other countries
katherine Barry-murphy
With regards to p/p.. To recieve the correct Goswell DVD, a.sp in the European system.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2020Verified Purchase
R. Spanier
For “Baby Boy A” – (July 12, 2008 – July 12, 2008)
Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2019Verified Purchase
IFJ12
Graphic yet honest
Reviewed in Canada on October 6, 2019Verified Purchase
Lynne Kofler
If you want/need to know ... “watch it”!!!!!!
Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2020Verified Purchase
Mistie T.
Best movie to get mad about lol
Reviewed in Canada on February 21, 2021Verified Purchase
