A Harrowing Tale of Survival and Systemic Failure

Read Time:4 Minute, 59 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Execution of Julie Ann Mabry
–

Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
Year Released: 2009
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Katie Madonna Lee
Writer(s): Louis Jordan, Katie Madonna Lee
Cast: Olivia Adams II, Bernadette Bauer, Kelly Daisy
Where To Watch: available now here: www.youtube.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE EXECUTION OF JULIE ANN MABRY doesn’t shy away from harsh realities—it leans into them, delivering an unpolished film in all the right ways. With a fraction of the budget, most productions would burn through in a week, and this independent effort delivers something more impactful than many dramas that cost ten times their budget. It’s an unflinching look at a life shaped by violence, neglect, and an unforgiving system, all told through a perspective that feels deeply personal.

Julie Ann Mabry is at the film's heart, played with vulnerability by Oliva Adams and Gemma Lee. From the moment she witnesses the horrific murder of her mother at the hands of her father, her future feels predetermined. Raised by evangelical relatives who impose rigid expectations upon her, she clings to faith as a desperate connection to the mother she lost. But life doesn’t unfold in neat redemption arcs, and Julie Ann’s downward spiral leads her to prison—a place that, ironically, becomes the first environment where she finds true community and a sense of belonging. The film never asks the audience to pity her but rather to consider how little control some people have over their stories.

Katie Madonna Lee takes on multiple roles as writer, director, and producer, crafting a narrative that is equal parts intimate and relentless. Her connection to the material is evident in every frame, from the authenticity of the performances to the grounded, pragmatic storytelling. The decision to film on location in South Bend, Indiana, and the Moundsville, West Virginia, Prison adds another layer of authenticity, making the film feel more like a lived-in experience than a constructed drama. Lee’s musical background also seeps into the film’s DNA, with an evocative score that underlines the emotional weight without ever manipulating the audience.

The film embraces a stripped-down aesthetic that complements its heavy subject matter. The desaturated color palette, natural lighting, and tight framing create a sense of confinement, mirroring Julie Ann’s emotional and physical entrapment. The film sometimes has an almost documentary-like feel, with an unpolished realism that adds to the immersive experience. Rather than relying on stylized flourishes, the film trusts its narrative and performances to carry the weight; for the most part, that gamble pays off.

The performances bring the film’s emotions to life. Lee easily carries the film, making Julie Ann’s struggles feel genuine rather than melodramatic. Adams, who plays the younger version of the character, adds another dimension to the performance, showcasing the innocence stripped away long before her arrest. Katie Madonna Lee also steps in front of the camera as Julie Ann’s mother, delivering a brief but memorable role that lingers over the film like a ghost. Together, the cast crafts a heartbreaking look at the ripple effects of trauma and the way pain is passed down through generations.

One of the standout elements of the film is its soundtrack, particularly the song "Coming Home," written by Jeremy Joyce and performed by Sharon Van Etten. The track perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of longing and isolation, adding another layer to Julie Ann’s journey. It’s one of those rare cases where a single piece of music becomes as integral to the film’s identity as the story, serving as both a haunting refrain and a quiet moment of catharsis.

The response to the film is divisive, which isn’t surprising for an unfiltered story. Some viewers praise its refusal to sugarcoat the realities of poverty, incarceration, and abuse, while others struggle with the narrative’s bleakness and moments that stretch plausibility. But that’s the nature of independent filmmaking—refusing to fit into a neat box invites discussion, discomfort, and reflection. Whether or not every moment hits home with you, it’s a film that makes you sit with the weight of its story, which is more than can be said for most dramas that tackle similar themes.

THE EXECUTION OF JULIE ANN MABRY demonstrates what independent filmmaking can achieve when driven by a clear vision and a fearless commitment to storytelling. It’s not perfect, but its imperfections are part of what makes it so compelling. What it lacks in refinement is made up for in sheer honesty. It’s a hard watch but an important one, proving that sometimes the most powerful stories come from the places mainstream cinema refuses to go.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of KML FILMS]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.