Ridham Vashishth
Movies rooted in real-life events have a special resonance, captivating audiences with authentic tales of triumph, tragedy, and adventure. Hulu’s vast collection, in particular, offers a splendid variety of films grounded in truth, each bringing forth its blend of comedy, action, and animation. From humorous retellings to heart-pounding adventures, these stories not only entertain but often shed light on historical events and iconic personalities that shaped our world. As we delve into the best true story films available on Hulu, we are reminded of the age-old adage: sometimes, reality truly is stranger and more wonderful than fiction.
8. Rogue Agent (2022)
This biographical drama is based on the surreal true story of Robert Hendy-Freegard, a British conman/imposter who manipulated people into giving him money by posing as an MI5 agent. The narrative follows Freegard as he pulls off his stunts, smartly conning a trio of college students. Years later, a woman named Alice Archer falls in love with Freegard but soon starts questioning his reluctance to talk about himself. The cast includes James Norton as Robert Freegard and Gemma Arterton as Alice Archer. The film is directed by Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn and based on Michael Bronner’s unpublished article, ‘Chasing Agent Freegard.’ You can watch it here.
7. The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story (2023)
Directed by Simone Stock, ‘The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story’ tells the true story of 15-year-old Kara Robinson, who was kidnapped by a man on June 24, 2002, from her friend’s place in West Columbia, S.C. He took her to his house and assaulted her for as long as 18 hours. However, this didn’t shift Kara’s focus from keeping as many details as possible in mind and escaping at the right moment. She then led the police to the place, and the evidence pointed toward the serial killer, identified as 38-year-old Richard Evonitz. He already had three girls. Though Evonitz escaped after finding out that Robinson had fled, he was intercepted by the police in Sarasota, Florida, on June 27, 2002, but shot himself to death. Katie Douglas plays Kara Robinson, while Kristian Bruun plays Richard Evonitz. You can watch the film here.
6. Suncoast (2024)
Directed by Laura Chinn, ‘Suncoast’ is a semi-autobiographical drama based on Chinn’s own life and experiences during the early 2000s. The film follows teenager Doris and explores her relationship with her impudent mother, Kristine, and her dying brother, Max. As Doris navigates such an overwhelming phase in her life, she befriends activist Paul Warren who is staging a protest to show his support for a landmark medical case. The way ‘Suncoast’ explores themes of family, friendship, happiness, grief, and self-discovery makes it a must-watch coming-of-age drama. The film stars Nico Parker, Laura Linney, Woody Harrelson, Daniella Taylor, and Ella Anderson. You can watch it here.
5. Miranda’s Victim (2023)
Almost all of us have heard attorneys tell convicts and criminals they have the right to remain silent and have an attorney in movies, shows, and real life. Have you ever wondered where this statement came from? Michelle Danner’s ‘Miranda’s Victim’ deals with the crime and the subsequent legal case that led to the birth of this right for convicts. Patricia “Trish” Weir was 18 when she has kidnapped and raped at knife-point inside a car by Ernesto Miranda in Phoenix in 1963. In Miranda vs. Arizona, the court set aside the conviction in 1966 because the accused didn’t know his rights. While Miranda did serve prison time, the American Legal System underwent a revolutionary change that transformed the nation. Abigail Breslin plays Patricia Weir, and Sebastian Quinn plays Ernesto Miranda. To find out how Weir fought for justice and how the Miranda warnings came into effect, you can watch ‘Miranda’s Victim’ here.
4. Boston Strangler (2023)
The Matt Ruskin directorial is based on the case of the Boston Strangler, a name given to the murderer(s) of 13 women in Greater Boston between 1962 and 1964. While a guy named Albert DeSalvo was convicted of the crimes based on his confession and the DNA evidence recovered from the last victim, multiple parties believe that more than one person committed the murders.
The film throws light on the case from the POV of Loretta McLaughlin, the first reporter from the Boston Record American newspaper to break the news about the murders that compelled the Boston police to look into the case that it had been overlooking and instead was spending time raiding gay bars (a reminder of the 1969 Stonewall riots) and oppressing minorities. The cast includes Keira Knightley as Loretta McLaughlin, Carrie Coon as Loretta’s fellow reporter Jean Cole, and David Dastmalchian as Albert DeSalvo, among others. You can watch the film here.
3. Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey (2018)
‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ is a harrowing crime drama directed by Jim Donovan. The movie brings to light the horrifying true events of 1984 when Lisa McVey was abducted and held captive by the serial killer Bobby Joe Long. The narrative unfolds over a terrifying 26-hour period, where Lisa uses her intelligence and courage to leave clues about her kidnapper and eventually escape.
The film features brilliant performances by Katie Douglas (Lisa McVey), Rossif Sutherland (Bobby Joe Long), David James Elliott (Detective Larry Pinkerton), and Bruno Verdoni (Morris Elwood), among others. Not only does the movie recount the traumatic experience of Lisa, but it emphasizes the remarkable resilience and bravery of a young woman against her tormentor. Earning a spot on this list, the film stands as a testament to the human spirit and resilience and offers a powerful message on survival and hope in the direst of circumstances. You may watch ‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ here.
3. Harriet (2019)
‘Harriet’ tells the true story of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who freed as many as 70 enslaved people between 1851 and 1862. The film chronicles Tubman’s bravery, showing how she escaped slavery and used the Underground Railroad to free many others, overcoming harsh adversity using high-stakes efforts. Cynthia Erivo does a beautiful job portraying Harriet Tubman, smartly balancing the warmth and the bravery in a powerful manner. Co-starring Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Clarke Peters, and Vondie Curtis-Hall, ‘Harriet’ is directed by Kasi Lemmons. You can watch the film here.
2. Breaking (2022)
Abi Damaris Corbin’s ‘Breaking’ tells the true story of 33-year-old marine veteran Brian Brown-Easley, who entered a Wells Fargo bank in Marietta, Georgia, on July 7, 2017, claiming that he had explosives in his bag. If he didn’t receive his monthly Veterans Affairs (VA) check, he would blow up the bank. The film shows what led him to do this, along with his struggle with mental health and homelessness. How the police dealt with him and how Brian met his tragic fate is shown in a captivating manner in the drama. John Boyega plays Brian Brown-Easley to the T, showcasing the helplessness, pain, and anger that led to his actions. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to someone who wants to be heard. ‘Breaking’ can be streamed here.
1. Spencer (2021)
Directed by Pablo Larraín, this film explores the mental state of Princess Diana as she tries to balance two lives: her personal life, wherein she has just found out about her husband Charles III’s affair with Camilla, and her cultural life that is under almost constant surveillance by the world media. Set in Christmas 1991, ‘Spencer’ puts forth the princess’s troubled and trapped state in a powerful and thought-provoking manner. The film stars Kristen Stewart as Diana and Jack Farthing as Charles III. You can stream it here.
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