Is the movie Heavenly Creatures (1994) based on a true story?

Yes, the movie Heavenly Creatures (1994) is based on the true story of the Parker-Hulme murder case in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1954.

What is the true story behind the movie Heavenly Creatures (1994)?

Heavenly Creatures is based on the true story of two teenage girls, Juliet Hulme and Pauline Parker, who became obsessed with each other and committed a brutal murder in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1954.

The girls met at Christchurch’s Ilam School for Girls and quickly became inseparable. They created a fantasy world filled with their own characters and stories, which they called the “Fourth World.” Their parents, concerned by the intensity of their relationship, attempted to separate them but to no avail.

Juliet’s parents announced that they were moving to South Africa, which caused immense distress for both girls, who believed they would be separated forever. In response, they formulated a plan to murder Pauline’s mother, Honora Parker, in the hopes that they could then be together forever.

On June 22nd, 1954, the girls lured Honora to a remote area of Victoria Park with the promise of a tea party. Once they were alone, they beat Honora with rocks inside stockings until she was dead. They were quickly apprehended and charged with murder.

At their trial, the girls’ defense argued that they were suffering from a shared delusional disorder, which they dubbed the “Fourth World.” The prosecution argued that the girls were simply motivated by a desire to be together and to live in their own fantasy world without interference.

Despite the defense’s argument, both girls were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. They were released after five years due to their stellar behavior behind bars.

After their release, the girls went their separate ways and changed their names. Juliet Hulme became a successful mystery novelist under the name Anne Perry, while Pauline Parker changed her name to Hilary Nathan and moved to England, where she lived in relative obscurity until her death in 1987.

Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Heavenly Creatures (1994)?

Yes, there is a book called “Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century” by Peter Graham that explores the true story behind the movie “Heavenly Creatures.” The book delves into the lives of the two teenage girls who committed murder, their relationship, and the events leading up to the killing.

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