The Accused

The Accused

Year: 1988

Runtime: 111 min

Language: english

Director: Jonathan Kaplan

Drama

In a shattering act of violence, a young woman's world is torn apart by a senseless assault. As she fights for justice, a determined prosecutor takes up her cause, seeking to hold accountable not just the attackers, but also those who emboldened them with their callous indifference.

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Timeline & Setting – The Accused (1988)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Accused (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

The Mill, Washington

The Mill is a bar located along the highways of Washington, serving as the central setting for the dramatic events in 'The Accused'. Known for its nightlife, it becomes a place of tragedy as Sarah Tobias is assaulted there, highlighting the darker sides of social gatherings. The bar also represents the complexities of human behavior in situations of vulnerability.

🏙️ Bar 🌲 Washington

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Main Characters – The Accused (1988)
Meet the key characters of The Accused (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sarah Tobias (Jodie Foster)

Sarah Tobias is a young waitress whose life is irrevocably changed after she suffers a brutal gang rape. Her character embodies vulnerability and strength as she navigates the aftermath of her trauma, demanding justice while dealing with societal judgments. She struggles with her self-identity, relationships, and the challenge of being believed in a justice system that often fails victims.

👩‍🦰 Protagonist 🗣️ Survivor 💔 Victim

Kathryn Murphy (Kelly McGillis)

Kathryn Murphy is a determined Deputy District Attorney who takes on the challenging case of Sarah Tobias. Her character showcases resilience and a commitment to justice, battling legal obstacles and societal norms. Kathryn's journey reflects her internal struggle as she faces pushback from her colleagues and grapples with the implications of her decisions regarding the prosecution.

💼 Attorney ⚔️ Advocate 👩‍⚖️ Fighter

Larry (Tom O'Brien)

Larry is Sarah's live-in boyfriend, characterized as a drug dealer and aspiring musician. His lack of understanding and empathy towards Sarah's situation highlights the complexities of their relationship. He embodies a complex aspect of relationships post-trauma, often demonstrating how victims may not receive the support they need from those closest to them.

🚬 Boyfriend 🎸 Musician 😒 Unsupportive

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Major Themes – The Accused (1988)
Explore the central themes of The Accused (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice permeates throughout the film, showcasing the struggles victims face in ensuring their attackers are held accountable. Sarah Tobias's journey illustrates the legal complexities surrounding crimes of sexual violence and the inadequacies of the justice system. The film raises questions about moral responsibility for bystanders and the societal response to such heinous acts.

🧠 Trauma

Trauma is a central theme, as it explores the psychological aftermath of sexual assault on victims. Sarah's character deals with intense emotional and psychological turmoil resulting from her experience, showcasing how such events can impact one’s life and relationships. The film highlights the struggle between seeking justice and coping with the scars left by violence.

👥 Bystander Complicity

The film delves into the theme of bystander complicity, raising critical questions about the role of witnesses during acts of violence. It portrays how passivity in the face of wrongdoing can have dire consequences, igniting discussions about societal accountability. The spectators' behavior during the assault emphasizes the issue of collective morality and the responsibility individuals hold.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

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