Trailer for Charles Manson Movie CHARLIE SAYS Humanizes the Murderers

“Maybe these girls are victims too.”

Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood isn’t the only movie coming down the pike in 2019 that takes place in Los Angeles during the infamous Manson Family murders. Charlie Says is directed by Mary Haron (American Psycho) and will hit select theaters and VOD platforms beginning May 17th via IFC Midnight.

While this will hardly be the first film inspired by the exploits of Charles Manson and his misguided followers, I predict this one may be controversial for one particular reason: It attempts to humanize several of the murderers. To this day, there’s little sympathy for Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Leslie Van Houten (none of whom have been granted parole). It’ll be interesting to see how this portrayal of these female killers will go over with those who lived through the hellish, nightmare Summer of 1968—especially those related to the victims.

Don’t get me wrong: I think it’s a fascinating idea and a bold choice for a filmmaker/studio to get behind. Will there be any sympathy for the Devils?

Give the trailer for Charlie Says a spin at the top of the article and read the synopsis below.

Synopsis:
Three young women were sentenced to death in the infamous Manson murder case, but when the death penalty was lifted, their sentence became life imprisonment. One young graduate student was sent in to teach them – and through her we witness their transformations as they face the reality of their horrific crimes.

Guinevere Turner wrote the screenplay for Charlie Says, which is based on the book by Karlene Faith; the film stars Hannah Murray, Suki Waterhouse, and Matt Smith.

What do you think of the trailer and synopsis for Charlie Says? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Share: 
Tags:

Categorized:

Sign up for The Harbinger a Dread Central Newsletter