Opened: April 15, 2011

Directed by: Robert Redford

Starring: James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, Kevin Kline, Tom Wilkinson, Alexis Bledel, Danny Huston, Stephen Root, Jonathan Groff, Justin Long, Johnny Simmons, Toby Kebbell, Norman Reedus, John Cullum, Marcus Hester, Colm Meaney, Shea Whigham, James Badge Dale, Jim True-Frost, Chris Bauer, David Andrews, Gerald Bestrom & Cullen Moss

A true story that results in the first woman to be sentenced to death by the U.S. Federal Government, The Conspirator is an interesting look at one of the most famous murders in American history.

After President Lincoln (Gerald Bestrom) is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth (Toby Kebbell), his conspirators are rounded up and put on trial. Lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) is assigned to defend Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), who owned the boarding house where conspiracy meetings would take place.

History rarely remembers the individuals other than Booth that were part of this crime but bringing Mary’s story to light is important because her trial isn’t fair. Wright plays her with honesty and innocence.

While it’s an uncomfortable look at the past, there’s not enough hard-hitting material to make it lasting.

Final say: Needs a bit more depth. ★★★☆☆