Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 8, 2021

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Peyton List as Aileen Wuornos
• Tobin Bell as Lewis Fell
• Lydia Hearst as Jennifer Fell
• Nick Vallelonga as Victor Miller
• Swen Temmel as Mitch
• Meadow Williams as Diane Pittman

Director
Daniel Farrands

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Haunting of Sharon Tate (2019)
• The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson (2019)

Producer
Daniel Farrands, Lucas Jarach, Luke Daniels

Writer
Daniel Farrands

Budget
$3 million (estimated)

Production Company
Voltage Pictures, Red Wire Pictures, Green Light Pictures

Running Time
86 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Graphic content
• Sexual situations
• Drug and alcohol use
• Profanity

Movie Story
“Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman” delves into the early life of Aileen Wuornos, one of America’s most notorious female serial killers. The film is a dramatized account that focuses on Wuornos’ younger years, particularly her brief marriage to wealthy yacht club president Lewis Fell in 1976. Set long before her infamous killing spree, the film attempts to explore the origins of Wuornos’ troubled psyche and the events that may have contributed to her transformation into a murderer.

Peyton List portrays a young Aileen, who arrives in Florida as a drifter with a dark past. She quickly charms Lewis Fell, played by Tobin Bell, an older man who is enamored by her youthful beauty and wild spirit. Despite the vast age difference, they marry, and Aileen finds herself thrust into a life of wealth and privilege. However, it doesn’t take long for her violent tendencies and deep-seated anger to surface. As Aileen begins to unravel, her behavior becomes increasingly erratic and dangerous, leading to a series of violent confrontations with those around her.

The film paints a portrait of Aileen as a deeply damaged individual, whose early experiences with abuse, rejection, and desperation set her on a destructive path. While “American Boogeywoman” attempts to humanize Aileen by exploring her backstory, it also grapples with the horror of her actions and the chaos she brings into the lives of those she encounters. The narrative is filled with tension as Aileen’s true nature gradually emerges, culminating in a chilling and violent climax that foreshadows the notorious crimes she would later commit.

Special Effects
The film relies more on atmosphere and tension than on extensive special effects. However, the practical effects used to depict the violence and brutality of Aileen’s actions are effective, creating a disturbing and unsettling mood throughout the movie.

Box Office Performance
“Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman” had a limited release, primarily reaching audiences through video-on-demand services. The film’s niche appeal and direct-to-video nature meant it did not have a significant box office impact but garnered attention due to its subject matter and connection to the infamous real-life figure.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I never wanted to be like this. I never wanted to be evil.” – Aileen Wuornos
• “You think you know someone, but you have no idea what they’re capable of.” – Lewis Fell

Behind-the-Scenes
Peyton List’s portrayal of Aileen Wuornos was a significant departure from her previous roles, showcasing her range as an actress. The film also faced scrutiny and criticism for its portrayal of Wuornos, with some arguing it sensationalizes her life rather than providing a nuanced exploration.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
“Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman” offers a grim and disturbing look into the early life of one of America’s most infamous serial killers. While it struggles to balance sensationalism with psychological insight, Peyton List’s performance adds depth to the character. The film may appeal to those interested in true crime stories, but its dark subject matter and graphic content make it a challenging watch.

IMDb Rating
3.9/10