House of Chains is partly based on a true story. The 2022 Lifetime film draws from the real-life Turpin family case, in which David and Louise Turpin imprisoned and abused their 13 children in Perris, California. Several details — including character names and the number of children — were changed for the screen.
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Key takeaways
- House of Chains premiered on Lifetime on 10 September 2022, directed by Stephen Tolkin.
- The film is partly inspired by the 2018 Turpin family case in Perris, California, USA.
- Mena Suvari plays Laura McGrath and Greyston Holt plays her husband, Tye.
- Real-life parents David and Louise Turpin pleaded guilty to 14 felony counts in 2019 and were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
- The film is not on Netflix; it streams on Lifetime Movie Club and is available to buy or rent on Amazon Video.
House of Chains is a crime drama produced by the Lifetime channel. The film tells the story of the McGraths, a seemingly ordinary suburban family concealing dark secrets.
Because of their strict religious beliefs, parents Laura and Tye keep their six children isolated from the outside world. As the children grow older, they ask questions that lead the parents to tighten their restrictions, commit abuse, and imprison the children.
The older siblings eventually hatch a plan to escape and alert the authorities. The film premiered on Lifetime on 10 September 2022 and runs approximately 87 minutes. It is part of Lifetime's Ripped from the Headlines series, which produces films inspired by real events.
House of Chains cast
The main cast of House of Chains includes:
- Mena Suvari as Laura McGrath
- Greyston Holt as Tye McGrath
- Natalie Jane as River McGrath
- Madeleine Kane as Meadow McGrath
- Callum McAllister as Rain
The film was written and directed by Stephen Tolkin and filmed in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Suvari told ET Online that she personally identified with aspects of her character but felt overwhelmed by the intensity.
It was a lot, not gonna lie. It was very, very intense, and I felt like I needed to definitely decompress for at least two hours every night.
Is House of Chains a true story?
Yes, it is. The film is a partially true story. However, several details — including the characters' names and the number of children — have been changed in the Lifetime edition.
What happens in House of Chains?
The McGrath parents, Laura and Tye, use extreme religious beliefs to justify confining their six children at home. As the children grow up, they begin to question their circumstances.
The older children plan an escape. Their moment comes when Forest, a younger sibling, falls ill with appendicitis. Their father, Tye, refuses to take him to hospital.
The children and their mother, Laura, turn against Tye. They restrain him and call the police. Towards the end of the psychological thriller, the authorities arrive, and the family is freed.
What happens at the end of the movie House of Chains?
At the movie's end, the children turn against their parents after Forest becomes ill with appendicitis. Their dad, Tye, refuses to take him to hospital. The children and their mother, Laura, unite against Tye, creating a chaotic scene.
The children stop Tye and call the police. Ultimately, both Tye and Laura McGrath are arrested for keeping their children trapped inside the house for years and subjecting them to inhumane treatment. The children are confronted with the real world for the first time in years.
Is the movie House of Chains based on the Turpin family?
Yes, it is. Though not entirely, House of Chains is partly based on the 2018 Turpin family case. The case involved the abuse of children and dependent adults by their parents, David and Louise Turpin. The family, from Perris, California, USA, consisted of the parents and 13 children (aged 2 to 29).
On 14 January 2018, two children escaped from the family home. One girl climbed out of a bedroom window, followed by her sister two minutes later. One sister became lost and returned to the house. The other, 17-year-old Jordan, called 911. Police arrived and arrested the parents and rescued the children.
What happened to David and Louise Turpin?
Following the discoveries at the Turpin home, authorities took the parents into custody. David and Louise Turpin initially pleaded not guilty to a dozen counts of torture and other criminal charges.
However, in February 2019, they changed their stance and admitted guilt, pleading guilty to 14 felony counts. In April 2019, both were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after serving the minimum term.
Is House of Chains on Netflix?
No, House of Chains is not available on Netflix. However, according to JustWatch, you can stream the film on Lifetime Movie Club, the Lifetime Movie Club Apple TV Channel, and the Lifetime Movie Club Amazon Channel.
You can also buy or rent the film on Amazon Video and Fandango at Home. Streaming availability changes regularly, so check JustWatch for the most up-to-date options.
Is House of Chains based on a book?
No. House of Chains is not based on a book. The screenplay was written directly by director Stephen Tolkin, inspired by the real-life Turpin family case. There is no novel or published source material for the Lifetime movie.
FAQs
- What is House of Chains about? House of Chains is a 2022 Lifetime crime drama about the McGrath family. Parents Laura and Tye keep their six children confined at home and subject them to abuse, driven by extreme religious beliefs. The film is partly inspired by the real Turpin family case from 2018.
- Where can I watch the House of Chains movie? You can watch House of Chains on Lifetime Movie Club or through its Apple TV and Amazon channels. It is also available to buy or rent on Amazon Video and Fandango at Home. It is not currently on Netflix.
- Who is in the cast of House of Chains? The lead cast includes Mena Suvari as Laura McGrath and Greyston Holt as Tye McGrath. Natalie Jane plays River, Madeleine Kane plays Meadow, and Callum McAllister plays Rain.
- How did House of Chains end? Tye and Laura McGrath are both arrested for years of child mistreatment and unlawful imprisonment. The children are freed and must confront the outside world for the first time.
- Is House of Chains on Netflix? No. House of Chains is not on Netflix. It is available on Lifetime Movie Club and can be rented or purchased on Amazon Video and Fandango at Home.
Conclusion
House of Chains is based on a true story. The 2022 film is partly inspired by the true story of the Turpin family and the dark secrets kept by the parents, David and Louise Turpin. The film is part of Lifetime's Ripped from the Headlines series, which produces movies inspired by or based on actual events.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke