Lifetime is starting the new year off terrifying with two new true-crime dramas.
The network has greenlit two gripping true-crime dramas as part of its popular ‘Ripped from the Headlines’ series. The new films include Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story, starring Dascha Polanco which will air on January 11. As well as Girl in the Garage: The Laura Cowan Storystarring Paige Hurd, Brad James, and Stephen Bishop. Both movies, based on real-life events, showing powerful portrayals of survival against unimaginable odds.
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In Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story, Dascha Polanco takes on the role of Marcela Borges, whose family weekend takes a harrowing turn when armed intruders invade her Florida home. With gunshots shattering their peace, Marcela, her husband, and their young son face a terrifying ultimatum: produce $200,000, or risk their lives. Newly pregnant and backed against the wall, Marcela must make life-or-death decisions to shield her family from the violent captors. Directed by Felipe Rodriguez and written by Crystal Verge, Terror Comes Knocking debuts on January 11. Produced by Cineflix Productions, the film counts Jeff Vanderwal as executive producer.
Following closely on January 18 is Girl in the Garage: The Laura Cowan Story, an intense true story of survival against abuse and captivity. Paige Hurd portrays Laura Cowan, a mother facing financial struggles after her husband Shabazz (James) is arrested. When family friend Musa (Bishop) offers temporary shelter, Laura believes it’s the break she needs. However, the kindness soon morphs into cruelty as she and her children are subjected to disturbing mental and physical abuse, ultimately forced into degrading captivity in a garage. Laura endures brutal conditions and multiple assaults, yet she remains determined to survive. Sneaking a note to the outside world, she ultimately leads authorities to her rescue. Directed by Manu Boyer with a screenplay by Avery O. Williams, the film is produced by Poke Prod with executive producers Sean Dwyer and Elizabeth Cullen. Laura Cowan herself joins as a co-producer, bringing her own harrowing experience to the screen.
These upcoming films showcase Lifetime’s commitment to storytelling that sheds light on real, often overlooked survivor stories.