The film is based on the true story of the torture and murder of Sylvia Likens by Indianapolis single mother Gertrude Baniszewski.

[4] The film was nominated for a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy (both for Keener's performance), and a Writers Guild of America Award.

When Sylvia refuses, Gertrude has Johnny and Stephanie's boyfriend, Coy Hubbard, to push her down the basement stairs.

With Gertrude's knowledge and approval, Johnny regularly invites the neighborhood children to the basement to abuse Sylvia.

The entire escape and reunion with her parents was her final dream and she has succumbed to the torture and abuse, dying in the arms of Stephanie and Ricky.

Once the police arrive, Jenny agrees to testify in court in exchange for her freedom from the Baniszewskis' custody.

However, her attempts to frame all her witnesses backfire as she is sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and child abuse.

Most of the cast were completely unaware of the real Likens murder until after they read the script, which was based largely on actual court transcripts from the case.

[2] Catherine Keener originally turned down the role of Gertrude Baniszewski; however, after she could not get the story out of her head, she met with director Tommy O'Haver and agreed to do the film.

[5] Ginia Bellafante of The New York Times called it "one of the best television movies to appear in years" and praised Catherine Keener's portrayal of Gertrude Baniszewski.