Boston Strangler (2023)
Reporters Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole bravely pursue the story of the Boston Strangler at great personal risk, putting their own lives on the line in their quest to uncover the truth.
- Matt Ruskin
- Matt Ruskin
Rating: 6.672/10 by 668 users
Alternative Title:
波士顿绞杀手 - CN
قاتل بوستون - IR
آدمکش بوستون - IR
خفهکننده بوستون - AF
Estrangulador de Boston - PT
波士顿勒杀狂 - CN
Country:
United States of America
Language:
English
Runtime: 01 hour 53 minutes
Budget: $0
Revenue: $0
Plot Keyword: journalist, boston, massachusetts, journalism, based on true story, serial killer, true crime, female journalist, investigative journalism, 1960s, candid, factual, dramatic, informative, instructive
Something's missing and that is entertainment lacking. Fans of the genre won't notice it much but someone who loves fast-paced crime will. I did.
This isn't so much a story about the notorious murderer, but more one of two investigative journalists who meticulously followed the case and tried to establish the truth behind these gruesome crimes. Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) was largely responsible for taking the initiative to her editor (Chris Cooper) but that published, convincing, analysis drew considerable disdain from the police and she was swiftly booted off the story. Undeterred, she persisted and ultimately with the more experienced Jean Cole (Carrie Coon) is reinstated and allowed to develop her theory that - well, maybe there isn't just one strangler! To be fair, I am not particularly well versed in the history of this, but I did find this a very dry and procedural drama that reminded me a little of "Official Secrets" (2019). Again, this saw Knightley in a smilier sort of role, and again delivering it very much as if it were straight off the page. There is little evidence of passion here. The tenacity and perseverance of these two women - at times putting the safety of themselves and their families on the line - isn't really captured here. It's wordy, at times a little too earnest and though it looks good it's just all a bit sterile. This is a fascinating story that looks at serial killings, copycat killings and strong investigative journalism all in the face of a rather linear (and sexist) approach taken by the authorities. It ought to be scintillating and intriguing - but this is certainly not.
