CHARLIZE Theron recently won the Oscar as Best Actress for her tour-de-force portrayal of America's first female serial killer, Aileen Wuornos, in this controversial film which tries to unearth the personality behind the tabloid headlines.

Director Jenkins structures her picture as a love story between Wuornos and lesbian Selby Wall (Christina Ricci), who has been banished to Florida by her religious parents to 'cure her homosexuality'.

Selby immediately falls under the spell of Wuornos, a drifter prostitute who sells her body for hard cash.

The two women initiate a passionate affair, Aileen's first real relationship and her one chance at lasting happiness.

However, the dream quickly becomes a nightmare when Aileen kills an abusive john who is trying to rape her.

Having unleashed her inner rage, Aileen embarks on a killing spree across America which ignites media interest and culminates in her execution.