🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Michael Winterbottom
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 41min
- IMDb rating: 4.6/10 (5.3K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A filmmaker snorts coke, sleeps with models, and vaguely contemplates Dante while trying to make a movie about a murder trial loosely based on Amanda Knox, but mostly it’s a travelogue of Tuscany.
🍿 The Face of an Angel: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Filmmaker’s Obsession
Thomas, a filmmaker struggling with personal and creative demons, takes on the challenge of making a film based on a high-profile murder case in Italy loosely inspired by the Amanda Knox trial. He immerses himself in the investigation, hoping to find truth amidst the sensationalism.

The Journalist’s Perspective
Simone Ford, a journalist who has extensively covered the case, becomes Thomas’s guide and confidante. She offers him insights into the complexities of the legal system, the media frenzy, and the lives of those involved.

Moral Ambiguity and Creative Doubt
As Thomas delves deeper, he grapples with ethical dilemmas surrounding the exploitation of real-life tragedy and the blurred lines between fact and fiction. His struggles manifest in drug use and surreal, symbolic visions influenced by Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy,’ reflecting his descent into a personal hell.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Thomas (Daniel Brühl): A troubled filmmaker struggling to find the truth while covering a controversial murder case in Italy.
- Simone Ford (Kate Beckinsale): An American journalist who assists Thomas with her expertise on the Italian murder case.
- Melanie (Cara Delevingne): A young English ex-pat student who offers Thomas a glimpse into the darker side of Sienna and serves as his guide.
- Elizabeth Pryce (Sai Bennett): The young student whose murder is at the center of the controversial case.
- Jessica Fuller (Genevieve Gaunt): The American student accused of murdering her roommate Elizabeth, sparking a media frenzy.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Journalist: “If you’re gonna make a movie, make it a fiction. You cannot tell the truth unless you make it a fiction.” – Highlights the film’s theme about the difficulty of portraying real-life events accurately.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $34,194
💥 The Face of an Angel Reviews
Personal Review
I was hoping for a compelling crime drama, but I ended up feeling lost and confused. The movie tries to be deep, referencing Dante and exploring the nature of truth, but it just comes across as pretentious. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, and the plot felt aimless. Honestly, I spent most of the time wondering when it would finally end.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Viewers interested in true crime stories”
- “Fans of art-house cinema”
- “Those interested in films that explore themes of media ethics”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Drug use”
- “Sexual content”
- “Disturbing imagery”
- “Mature themes related to murder”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Winterbottom’s film is a muddled, self-indulgent affair that fails to offer any real insights into the case or the human condition. The performances are adequate, but the film’s meandering plot and lack of focus ultimately leave it feeling unsatisfying.
- Variety: “Though inspired by a real-life murder case, The Face of an Angel fails to deliver any suspense or intellectual depth. The characters are thinly drawn, and the plot feels underdeveloped, leaving the audience detached from the central mystery.
Audience Reactions
Cara Delevingne’s performance was a pleasant surprise in an otherwise underwhelming film.: Many viewers found Cara Delevingne’s acting to be a highlight, praising her natural and engaging presence.
The movie failed to capitalize on its premise and the intriguing real-life case it was inspired by.: A common sentiment was that the movie was a missed opportunity, failing to deliver a compelling narrative or meaningful insights into the source material.
Overall Consensus: The Face of an Angel is a disappointing and unfocused film that fails to capitalize on its real-life inspiration, leaving audiences feeling confused and detached.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is loosely based on the real-life Amanda Knox case, but the filmmakers chose to fictionalize many aspects of the story.”
- “Director Michael Winterbottom aimed to explore the media frenzy surrounding the case and the challenges of finding truth in a sensationalized narrative.”
- “Cara Delevingne’s performance was praised by some critics as a standout in her early acting career.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Face of an Angel?
As of today, there’s limited information about specific streaming availability for ‘The Face of an Angel.’ Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Tubi or look for purchase or rental options on platforms like Vudu and Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Face of an Angel, you might like these similar films:
- Capturing the Friedmans (2003): Documentary exploring the complexities of a real-life criminal case and its impact on a family, similar to the film’s focus on a notorious event.
- Zodiac (2007): Focuses on the elusive nature of truth and the obsessive pursuit of a story, mirroring the journalist’s and filmmaker’s quest.
- Trial by Media (2020): A docuseries that examines how the media can influence public perception and legal outcomes in high-profile cases, a theme prominent in ‘The Face of an Angel’.
🛒 The Face of an Angel Related Products
- Amanda Knox: American Murderer: A gripping exploration of the Amanda Knox case, providing deeper context to the real-life events that inspired the movie. Get insights and details not seen in the film.
- Dante’s Divine Comedy (Illustrated Edition): Explore the literary masterpiece that serves as a thematic backdrop to the film. Gain a better understanding of the symbolism and metaphors used throughout the story. The illustrated edition enhances the reading experience with stunning visuals.
- The Face of an Angel Movie Poster: A high-quality print featuring the movie’s iconic poster. Perfect for adding a touch of cinematic flair to your home or office. Showcase your love for the film with this eye-catching piece.
- Siena & Tuscany: Travel Guide: A vivid exploration of Siena and Tuscany, the actual locations in the movie, with insights on the culture, cuisine, and hidden gems. The guide includes maps, itineraries, and practical tips for planning your own Tuscan adventure.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Face of an Angel features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, ‘The Face of an Angel’ is loosely based on the real-life murder of Meredith Kercher and the subsequent trial of Amanda Knox. However, the film is a fictionalized account and does not claim to be a factual representation of events.
The movie explores themes of media sensationalism, the ethics of true-crime filmmaking, and the challenges of finding truth in a complex and controversial case. It focuses on a filmmaker’s personal journey as he struggles to make sense of a tragic event.
The names and details of the real-life case were changed to allow the filmmakers to explore the themes and issues surrounding the case without being constrained by factual accuracy or legal limitations.
🔥 Bonus Content
Kate Beckinsale Interview – Actress Talks About Amanda Knox film ‘Face of an Angel’
Ever wondered what Kate Beckinsale thought about portraying a character in a film inspired by the Amanda Knox case? She dives deep into the complexities in this interview, and it’s honestly fascinating to hear her perspective!
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