Evil Angels

On a family camping trip near Ayers Rock, Lindy Chamberlain says she witnessed a dingo snatch her infant Azaria from their tent. The disappearance shocks a remote corner of Australia and quickly draws national attention. Evil Angels follows Lindy and her husband Michael as they navigate intense media scrutiny, conflicting eyewitness accounts, and a courtroom drama that tests belief and loyalty. The story centers on ordinary people pressed into extraordinary circumstances, where a grieving mother becomes the focal point of suspicion and public debate. The film reframes the events through the perspectives of those accused, the authorities investigating the case, and the family members caught in the crossfire, avoiding quick explanations or easy answers. Invites reflection on memory and justice.

Released in 1988, Evil Angels was directed by Fred Schepisi with a screenplay by Robert Caswell and John Bryson. The drama draws on the real life Lindy Chamberlain case, featuring Meryl Streep as Lindy and Sam Neill as Michael worldwide.

Box office worldwide totaled about 6.9 million against a 15 million budget, reflecting a modest commercial take for a prestige drama led by an A-list star. It fared better overseas. The numbers reflect limited release and niche audience appeal globally.

The film has contributed to the public memory of the Lindy Chamberlain case, fueling discussions about media bias, judicial process, and how public opinion can shape a high profile investigation. Its landscapes and courtroom ambience place the viewer firmly in the era. This adds texture and authenticity to the drama.

Critical response emphasized a restrained, character driven approach that balances grief with doubt and duty. Reviewers praised Streep's performance and Schepisi's steady direction, noting the film's measured pace and careful courtroom pacing. Themes include truth under pressure, the role of media in shaping justice, and moral ambiguity under scrutiny today.