Directed by
Bruce Beresford
Discover the intricate plot of Crimes of the Heart (1987). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the quirky Magrath sisters—Lenny, Meg, and Rebecca “Babe”—gather at their family abode in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, on Lenny’s birthday, a complex tapestry of secrets and betrayals begins to unravel. Babe’s reckless choice to shoot her abusive husband, Zackery Botrelle, results in severe injuries and ignites a series of bombshells that will undeniably change the dynamics of their dysfunctional family forever.
Their intertwined lives are shaped by layers of trauma and heartache. Raised under the stern eye of Old Granddaddy following their mother’s tragic suicide, the Magrath sisters are forever united by their shared past of struggle. Lenny, who is reserved and thoughtful, has dedicated her life to caring for Granddaddy while shielding herself from the outside world. Babe, marred by her disastrous marriage to Zackery, carries both physical and emotional scars. On the other hand, Meg, the self-centered sibling, has attempted to escape Hazlehurst, chasing the glitzy allure of fame; however, her lack of success and subsequent meltdown hide beneath the surface from her sisters.
The atmosphere grows tense as Babe is released from jail into the care of Lenny and Meg, all while Old Granddaddy battles the aftermath of a stroke in the hospital. This situation compels the sisters to face their inner demons and confront the buried truths they’ve concealed for far too long. The arrival of Barnette Lloyd, a lawyer recruited to defend Babe, brings a sense of reality into their chaotic lives, along with a flicker of hope.
As their stories unfold, it becomes evident that each sister has been donning a facade of normalcy, hiding their authentic selves from the world. Lenny’s concerns about Babe’s mental wellbeing come to light when she confides in Meg about a past romantic encounter that ended badly after her boyfriend learned of her missing ovary. In contrast, Meg’s belief that Babe’s actions had a rational justification for shooting Zackery becomes a source of conflict when Babe exposes her own troubled marriage and secret romance with Willie Jay, a teenage boy.
The sisters’ long-hidden secrets begin to emerge, unveiling a tapestry of love, heartache, and tragedy that binds them. Guided by Barnette, Babe must navigate the murky waters of guilt and shame as she faces the stark realities of her life. Will she discover a path to reclaim her existence and start over, or will the shadows of her past continue to loom over her? Time alone will unveil the answer.
During a visit to Old Granddaddy at the hospital, Meg tries to impress him with exaggerated tales of her glamorous Hollywood career, but Lenny remains skeptical, fueled by deeply-rooted resentment of Meg’s perceived favoritism. Babe, aware of this underlying tension, gently reminds Lenny that it was Meg who found their mother’s lifeless body—a traumatic experience that has forever bonded them as sisters.
In private, Meg admits to Lenny her stories were mere fabrications aimed at garnering Granddaddy’s approval and massaging her own ego. However, when Lenny discovers that Meg had consumed all of his birthday candy, she is flooded with rage and betrayal.
Meanwhile, Doc Porter’s arrival brings warmth to the family home as he and Meg share an intimate evening by the lake, reminiscing and enjoying bourbon together. During this moment, Meg finally reveals the bleak truth of her failed aspirations in Hollywood.
In an unexpected twist, Barnette’s visit leaves Babe speechless as she is presented with explicit photographs showcasing her and Willie, obtained through sinister methods by Lucille, Zackery’s sister. When Lenny awakens to Babe’s emotional outburst, he finds himself thrust into the drama spiraling before him.
As the night progresses, Old Granddaddy’s condition deteriorates, sending the sisters into a tailspin, and they keep vigil at his hospital bedside, their shared emotions hanging precariously in the balance. Upon Meg’s return, her upbeat demeanor clashes with the somber atmosphere, where Lenny and Babe confront the burden of secrets weighing heavily on them. Despite their circumstances, Meg resolves to reveal the truth to Granddaddy about her Hollywood endeavors, all while unaware that he has already succumbed to his injuries.
As Babe unveils the incriminating photographs, Lenny and Barnette hurry in soon after, revealing they’ve brokered a deal with Zackery to drop charges against Babe to maintain his public image. As the drama subsides, it’s clear that the sisters are inextricably linked—caught in a web of secrets, lies, and unacknowledged truths that threaten to engulf them.
In the days that follow, Lenny discovers the strength to reconnect with an old partner, stirring events that will leave a lasting impact. Babe, however, faces a dire phone call from Zackery, whose threatening tone leaves her feeling cornered and desperate. Contemplating the despair that claimed her mother, she grapples with dark thoughts of self-destruction. In an alarming twist, she attempts to hang herself from a chandelier, only to have it fail her, leaving her feeling crushed and hopeless. Just as she considers resorting to self-harm in the kitchen, Meg arrives in the nick of time to prevent tragedy. This critical moment sparks a realization within Babe about the importance of human connection, as she remembers their mother’s tragic choice to end her life after hanging their beloved family cat.
The following morning, in a show of solidarity, Meg and Babe surprise Lenny with a birthday cake, a heartwarming reminder of love and support flourishing amidst adversity.
Track the key events of Crimes of the Heart (1987) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Magrath Sisters' Gathering
On Lenny's birthday, the Magrath sisters—Lenny, Meg, and Babe—assemble at their family home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. This reunion sets the stage for the unraveling of their tangled lives and the secrets that have long been hidden.
Babe's Reckless Act
Babe makes the impulsive decision to shoot her abusive husband, Zackery Botrelle, inflicting serious injuries. This shocking act serves as a catalyst, triggering a series of revelations that threaten to reshape the sisters' already strained relationships.
Old Granddaddy's Health Crisis
As the sisters deal with the fallout of Babe's actions, Old Granddaddy suffers a stroke, complicating their already turbulent family dynamic. His condition forces the sisters to confront their past traumas and their responsibilities to one another.
Babe's Release
After spending time in jail, Babe is released into the care of her sisters, Lenny and Meg. This tense reunion brings to the surface unresolved issues and hidden feelings that each sister had tried to suppress.
Arrival of Barnette Lloyd
Barnette Lloyd, a lawyer, arrives to represent Babe, bringing a sense of realism to the chaotic environment. His presence not only introduces legal complications but also hints at underlying connections that will uncover further truths.
Confrontation of Past Secrets
The sisters begin to reveal their long-held secrets, delving into their shared painful history. As Lenny confides in Meg about a past relationship, the tension between them escalates, showcasing their fragile bond.
Meg's Lies Unraveled
During a visit to Old Granddaddy, Meg fabricates stories about her supposed Hollywood success, seeking validation from her grandfather. Lenny, suspecting the truth, confronts her, leading to deep-seated resentment and anger.
Meg and Doc Porter
Meg shares a warm, intimate evening by the lake with Doc Porter, reminiscing about their past. This moment allows Meg to express her disillusionment with her unfulfilled aspirations in Hollywood, showcasing her vulnerability.
Babe's Emotional Outburst
Babe is confronted with explicit photographs of her and Willie, stirring feelings of guilt and humiliation. This shocking reveal compounds the emotional turmoil already present in the household.
Deterioration of Old Granddaddy
As Old Granddaddy's health declines, the sisters stay by his side, grappling with their emotions and the weight of their secrets. Their vigil underscores the gravity of their family bond amidst turmoil.
Meg's Truth to Granddaddy
In the midst of the emotional strain, Meg resolves to confess her fabricated stories to Granddaddy, unaware of his deteriorating condition. This attempt at honesty showcases her desire for connection, even as tragedy looms.
Babe's Suicide Attempt
Overwhelmed by despair, Babe attempts to take her life by hanging herself, but the chandelier fails, leaving her shaken. This critical moment leads to a profound realization about the importance of family ties and support.
Meg's Timely Intervention
Just as Babe contemplates further self-harm, Meg arrives and successfully prevents the tragedy. This intervention marks a pivotal moment in their relationship, highlighting their bond as sisters amidst intense hardship.
Surprise Birthday Celebration
In a heartfelt gesture, Meg and Babe come together to surprise Lenny with a birthday cake, reaffirming their support for one another. This act symbolizes a glimmer of hope and love amidst the chaos of their lives.
Path to Healing
The sisters begin to navigate their tangled lives toward healing, each facing their inner struggles together. Although the shadows of their past remain, they find solace in their sisterly bond as they seek to reclaim their futures.
Meet the characters that bring Crimes of the Heart (1987) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lenny (Diane Keaton)
Lenny is the responsible and caring sister, dedicated to looking after their aging grandfather. Despite her nurturing nature, she struggles with feelings of inadequacy and resentment towards Meg. Her character exemplifies the burden of family expectations and the challenge of seeking her own happiness amidst familial chaos.
Meg (Sissy Spacek)
Meg is the more flamboyant sibling who seeks fame and escape from her small-town life. Her attempts at success in Hollywood highlight her insecurities and desire for approval. As the story unfolds, her superficial bravado is stripped away, revealing the depth of her struggles and the impact of her past choices on her relationships.
Babe (Beeson Carroll)
Babe is the youngest sister whose reckless decision to shoot her abusive husband sets off a chain of events. She embodies the pain of trapped individuals, fighting for her freedom and self-worth. Her character's journey involves confronting her truth and the consequences of her actions, ultimately leading to a moment of realization about connection and family.
Barnette Lloyd (Sam Shepard)
Barnette is the lawyer who steps into the sisters' chaotic lives, offering legal support for Babe. His presence introduces a sense of hope and potential redemption as they navigate the legal implications of Babe’s actions. He becomes a grounding figure amidst the turmoil, highlighting the theme of seeking justice and understanding.
Uncover the settings of Crimes of the Heart (1987), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film's events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the struggles of modern family life. This period showcases the societal issues of the time, including domestic abuse and the quest for personal identity, as the sisters navigate their tumultuous relationships and hidden pasts.
Location
Hazlehurst, Mississippi
Hazlehurst, Mississippi is a small Southern town known for its close-knit community and rich history. The town plays a crucial role in the story as it serves as the backdrop for the Magrath sisters' complex familial dynamics and revelations. It embodies both the warmth of family ties and the weight of deep-seated personal traumas.
Explore the core themes of Crimes of the Heart (1987). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Family Trauma
The theme of family trauma is central to the narrative, as the Magrath sisters grapple with the repercussions of their mother's suicide and their dysfunctional relationships. Each sister brings her own baggage, contributing to a complex interplay of love, resentment, and shared pain that defines their bond. The story reflects on how trauma shapes individual identities and family dynamics.
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Justice and Redemption
Amidst the chaos of their lives, the theme of justice and redemption emerges through Babe's struggle to come to terms with her actions and seek forgiveness. As she faces legal consequences for shooting her abusive husband, the sisters must confront their past choices and find a path towards healing. This theme highlights the possibility of reclaiming one's life despite overwhelming obstacles.
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Secrets and Lies
The story intertwines various secrets and lies that the sisters keep from each other, revealing how hidden truths can poison relationships. As these secrets come to light, the characters must navigate the consequences of betrayal and find a way to mend their fractured bonds. This theme underscores the importance of honesty and communication in healing family wounds.
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