Return to Sender

There are many stories concerning the unlucky people arrested, Incarcerated, Convicted and often executed for crimes against the state. But what if it's an innocent woman awaiting death? In this movie directed by Bille August and written by Neal Purvis was originally called " Convicted ", but changed to " Return to Sender " stars Connie Neilsen as Charlotte Cory, a former nurse, who's being prepared for execution, while reaching out to Frank Nitzche (Aidan Quinn) a man who claims to be a former friend of her father. Unknown to Cory, Frank is not who he claims to be and that secret is discovered by Susan Kennan (Kelly Preston) her attorney. However the discovery is made simultaneously with Nitzche who learns that Cory is protecting someone else. It's a race against time as both of them try to halt the execution before they bring the new evidence to the governor. Although slow to build and the subject matter is difficult to comprehend, the film nevertheless does produce a dramatic atmosphere which lends itself to an escalating climax. Quinn is incredible as the despicable former lawyer, now trying to help uncover the truth. Nielsen demonstrates a wonderful transition from ambivalent nurse to desperate victim who realizes she does care to live. ****