Girl in the Basement

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 27, 2021

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Stefanie Scott as Sara Cody
• Judd Nelson as Don Cody
• Joely Fisher as Irene Cody
• Braxton Bjerken as Michael Cody
• Jake Nuttall as Thomas Cody

Director
Elisabeth Röhm

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Switched Before Birth (2021)
• Family Pictures (2019)
• The Runner (2022)

Producer
Barbara Lieberman, Leslie Greif

Writer
Barbara Marshall

Budget
Estimated at $1 million

Production Company
Lifetime

Running Time
88 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
TV-14

Content Advisory

• Disturbing themes
• Violence
• Sexual assault
• Emotional abuse

Movie Story
“Girl in the Basement” is a harrowing crime drama inspired by true events, centering on the unimaginable ordeal of Sara Cody (Stefanie Scott), a young woman whose life takes a horrific turn when she is imprisoned by her own father, Don Cody (Judd Nelson). The film begins with Sara as a typical teenage girl, eager to escape her controlling father’s grasp and explore the world on her own terms. However, her father has other plans. On her 18th birthday, Don lures Sara into the basement of their home, where he traps her in a secret, soundproof room, cutting her off from the outside world.

As days turn into weeks and weeks into years, Sara’s life becomes a nightmare of captivity and abuse. She is subjected to repeated physical and psychological torment by her father, who goes to great lengths to ensure she remains hidden from her mother Irene (Joely Fisher) and brother Michael (Braxton Bjerken). Despite her isolation, Sara’s resilience and determination to survive begin to shine through as she devises plans to escape and protect her own sanity.

The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal reality of Sara’s imprisonment, including the birth of her children, who are also forced to live in the basement. These moments of dark intensity are juxtaposed with flashbacks of Sara’s life before her abduction, showing her vibrant spirit and the hope she clings to even in the darkest of circumstances.

As years pass, the strain on the Cody family grows, with Irene suspecting that something is amiss but never imagining the horrific truth. The story builds to a tense climax as Sara, after enduring countless hardships, finally sees an opportunity to escape. Her eventual liberation is both a moment of triumph and a heartbreaking reminder of the years lost to her father’s cruelty.

Special Effects
“Girl in the Basement” focuses more on its intense narrative and character development than on special effects. The film’s claustrophobic setting and dark lighting are used effectively to convey the horror and hopelessness of Sara’s situation, creating a visceral experience for viewers.

Box Office Performance
As a made-for-TV movie on the Lifetime network, “Girl in the Basement” did not have a traditional box office release. However, it garnered significant attention upon its release, particularly for its chilling portrayal of a real-life inspired crime, and became one of the most talked-about Lifetime movies of 2021.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You can never leave. This is your life now.” – Don Cody
• “Someday, someone’s going to find us. And when they do, you’ll pay for everything you’ve done.” – Sara Cody

Behind-the-Scenes
“Girl in the Basement” was directed by Elisabeth Röhm, marking one of her early directorial ventures. The film was shot in a relatively short period, reflecting the intensity of its storyline. The actors, particularly Stefanie Scott and Judd Nelson, were praised for their commitment to portraying such difficult roles with authenticity.

Awards

• Nominated for a Critics’ Choice Real TV Award (Best Movie Made for Television)

Final Verdict
“Girl in the Basement” is a disturbing yet compelling film that shines a light on the darkest corners of human behavior. It is a powerful portrayal of survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable cruelty. While difficult to watch due to its harrowing content, the film succeeds in bringing a sensitive and important issue to the forefront, making it a must-see for viewers interested in crime dramas based on true events.

IMDb Rating
6.4/10