Inspiredbyactualevents,GirlintheBasementisthehorrificstoryofSara(StefanieScott),avibrantteengirlwhowaslookingforwardtoher18thbirthdaysoshecouldmoveawayfromhercontrollingfatherDon(JuddNelson).Butbeforeshecouldeverblowoutthecandles,herworldbecameextremelydarkafterDonimprisonsherinthebasementoftheirhome.WhileDontriestoconvincewifeIrene(JoelyFisher)thatSararanaway,hewouldsecretlyvisitherinthebasementtotortureandrapeherwhileIreneandhersisterAmy(EmilyTopper)continuedlivingupstairs.Astheyearspass,Saragivesbirthtoseveralchildren,aloneinthebasement.Doneventuallybringsuptheiryoungestson,leavinghimonthedoorstepforIrenetofindwithanotefromSarasayingthatwashersonandshecouldn’tcareforhim,leavingIrenetofinallyacceptDon’sclaimsaboutSara.Afterdecadesofcaptivity,Sarafinallyescapes,andherfamilylearnsthedevastatingtruthaboutwhathadbeengoingonforover20yearsrightbeneaththeirfeet.