The basis of the storyline surrounds desperation in all its guises, the idea of a willingness or commitment to do the unspeakable; not just consciously, but at times in almost an unconscious fashion? Killing: murder if you will, the idea of being abused domestically and this being accepted as almost normal, is in essence conceptually, socially and emotionally wrong!
Being a willing fall-guy for want of a better phrase, can be misconstrued as idiotic, but only if within that equation - you extract the love element? You have a loving and dear mother, an abusive husband and a young child driven to distraction in a most desperate and tragic manner.
The idea of family, and this being the very fabric of a true functional society is challenged in many ways within the context of the storyline. There's the aunt (sister of the husband) who's been turned into a surrogate type figure, being put-up-on through circumstances but rising to the challenge through much adversity.
With the law of the land wading in: as expected of course, but with the ignorance it at times displays, and its tenuous strands of appreciation in its attempt to seeing justice being done relatively swiftly. Never of course easy, but its duty can be burdensome.
You have unreserved love, friendship, with deceitful elements: more murder and a willingness to kill or be killed! The storyline is fictional in its concept, however there are tangible human dynamics which can be easily accessible if any one of us are ever pushed - it's believed.
Love wins the day in this fable - knowing that not much else matters without it in life, truly makes its presence and occupation in our hearts the next best thing in life to breathing.