Trial by Fire

Trial by Fire is a 2018 American biographical drama film directed by Edward Zwick. The story is based upon David Grann's article "Trial by Fire" that appeared in The New Yorker in 2009. The film stars Jack O'Connell, Laura Dern, Emily Meade, Jeff Perry and Jade Pettyjohn. Trial by Fire had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2018 and was released on May 17, 2019, by Roadside Attractions. Summary On December 23, 1991, Cameron Todd Willingham awakes to find his house ablaze. Despite his best-efforts, Willingham is unable to save the lives of his three daughters. At his trial, the prosecutor, John Jackson, reveals the fire had been caused deliberately with gasoline spread in the shape of a pentagram and the refrigerator moved to block the kitchen door. Witnesses continue to take the stand and portray him as a violent individual. Willingham's former cellmate, Johnny Webb then takes the stand and declares Willingham told him the fire had been set deliberately. Despite impassioned pleas of Willingham's innocence by both himself and his wife Stacy, Willingham is sentenced to death.