Veronica Guerin is based on the true story of the Irish journalist who was murdered by the Italian mafia in 1996. The film was directed by Joel Schumacher and stars Cate Blanchett as Guerin, along with Gerard McSorley, Ciarán Hinds, and Brenda Fricker.
The film depicts part of the career of journalist Veronica Guerin, who worked for the Sunday Independent and investigated drug trafficking in Ireland. Guerin launched an in-depth investigation into drug sales in Ireland after the murder of a pre-teen addict in the street. As she delved deeper into the investigation, Guerin was assaulted, shot at, and her son, Cathal (Simon O’Driscoll), received a death threat. Despite the attacks and threats, the journalist continued her investigation, which ultimately led to her death.
The film’s end credits state:
“The murder of Veronica Guerin marked a turning point in the war on drugs, galvanizing Ireland in the fight. Thousands took to the streets in weekly marches to protest against drugs, forcing dealers out of Dublin. Less than a week after her death, in an emergency session, Parliament amended the Constitution of the Republic of Ireland to allow the Supreme Court to freeze the assets of suspected drug traffickers.”
Cate delivers a powerful performance, portraying a journalist who is not afraid to risk everything to expose the truth about what is happening.
