'Girl in the Basement': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about Lifetime's movie inspired by real events
Lifetime's 'Girl in the Basement' is the next movie in the network's 'Ripped from The Headlines' franchise. Starring Stefanie Scott, Judd Nelson and Joely Fisher, the film is inspired by horrific real-life events.
'Girl in the Basement' follows the life of Sara, played by Stefanie Scott, a vibrant teenager looking forward to her eighteenth birthday so she can finally move out of the clutches of her controlling father. But before she gets her taste of freedom, her father, played by Judd Nelson, imprisons her in the basement of their home. The father tries to convince everyone including her mother played by Joely Fisher that Sara has simply run away from home.
However, he secretly visits Sara in the basement and rapes her, leading to Sara giving birth to several children over the years. After decades of captivity, Sara finally escapes and the family is forced to learn the devastating truth that has been hiding in their own home for years.
The Lifetime Network's 2020 'Ripped from the Headlines' slate reached more than 25 million viewers. Lifetime also recently announced a development deal with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos for two 'Ripped from the Headlines' movies. Here's all you need to know about the film on these gruesome real-life events.
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Release date
'Girl in the Basement' premieres on February 28 at 8 pm ET/PT on Lifetime Canada and airs in the US on February 27 on Lifetime.
Plot
Stefanie Scott plays Sarah Cody, a teenage girl locked in the basement of her family home by her domineering father and kept there for 20 years. She finally escapes after being raped by her father and bearing several children. The role was particularly challenging for Stefanie Scott who has to play Sarah as a teenager and then as an older woman as she ages over 20 years in the claustrophobic confines of the basement.
Scott, in a recent interview, is still clearly coming to grips with the gruesome situation based on real-life events. In a recent interview, she said, "How do you keep your mind together when that's your reality."
Judd Nelson, who plays the controlling father, says he feels that his character probably doesn't see himself as inherently evil. Nelson says "I don't think Charles Manson thought he was a bad guy."
Cast
Stefanie Scott
Stefanie Noelle Scott is an American actress and singer known for her roles as Quinn Brenner in the film 'Insidious: Chapter 3' and Dana Tressler in the film 'Flipped', for which she won a 2011 Young Artist Award. She is also known for playing Lexi Reed on Disney Channel's 'ANT Farm'.
Judd Nelson
Judd Nelson is an American actor best known for his roles as John Bender in 'The Breakfast Club', Alec Newbury in 'St. Elmo's Fire', Joe Hunt in 'Billionaire Boys Club', Nick Peretti in 'New Jack City', Billy Beretti in 'Empire' and Jack Richmond in the television series 'Suddenly Susan'.
Joely Fisher
Joely Fisher is the daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Connie Stevens and half-sister of actress Carrie Fisher. Her breakthrough role was as Paige Clark in the ABC sitcom 'Ellen', for which she received a Golden Globe Award nomination. Fisher later starred in the 1999 comedy film 'Inspector Gadget' and had leading roles in the Lifetime comedy-drama 'Wild Card' and Fox sitcom 'Til Death'.
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Creators
Elisabeth Rohm makes her directorial debut with 'Girl in the Basement'. Leslie Greif, Manu Boyer and Barbara Marshall who also wrote the script serve as executive producers.
Trailer
If you're a fan of shows based on true crimes, then you will be rather gripped by the 'Girl in the Basement' trailer, particularly Judd Nelson's chilling performance.
Where to watch
'Girl in the Basement' premieres on February 28 at 8 pm ET/PT on Lifetime Canada and airs in the US on February 27 on Lifetime.
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