Stuck on dull, feminine reporting jobs on the Boston Record American, journalist Keira Knightley persuaded her boss played by Chris Cooper to let her investigate a series of seemingly connected strangulations of women across Boston. He agrees as long as seasoned vet, played by Carrie Coon joins in. Whilst the story focusses initially on the infamous Boston Strangler murders, it shifts significantly as it becomes clear that society is scared and needs someone to take the fall.
Whilst DNA evidence has now proved Albert DeSalvo's guilt on at least one of the thirteen famous murders, it has never been proven he was wholly responsible and this film looks at the widespread corruption behind the need for DeSalvo to be guilty. It is a detailed procedural and character driven film with Knightley giving another effortless impressive turn, well supported by Coon and Cooper. It is not though your average killer on the loose thriller, nor is it looking to be another 'Zodiac', although clearly the investigation had a considerable affect upon Knightley's character, who can't leave it be.
Nuanced and multi layered, it is a compelling, well acted, intelligent piece, albeit it sometimes rather lacks tension.
Whilst DNA evidence has now proved Albert DeSalvo's guilt on at least one of the thirteen famous murders, it has never been proven he was wholly responsible and this film looks at the widespread corruption behind the need for DeSalvo to be guilty. It is a detailed procedural and character driven film with Knightley giving another effortless impressive turn, well supported by Coon and Cooper. It is not though your average killer on the loose thriller, nor is it looking to be another 'Zodiac', although clearly the investigation had a considerable affect upon Knightley's character, who can't leave it be.
Nuanced and multi layered, it is a compelling, well acted, intelligent piece, albeit it sometimes rather lacks tension.