Inspired by the true story of a nun’s relationship with a condemned man, this provocative examination of crime, punishment and redemption. Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon), a compassionate New Orleans nun, is the spiritual advisor to Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn), a vicious, angry and complex murder awaiting execution. Her dedication is to help others, like Matthew, find salvation. But as she attempts to navigate Matthew’s dark soul, she encounters a depth of evil that makes her question how far redemption can really go.