TRUE CRIME: “Appropriate Adult.” / “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story.” / “See No Evil: The Moors Murders.”

“Appropriate Adult” (Amazon Prime) British crime drama, based on the true story of Gloucester serial killer Fred West and his wife Rosemary West. The year was 1994. 

       The series was named after the role of Janet Leach as an appropriate adult during the questioning of Fred West. The senior investigator wanted to ensure that there could be no suggestion that West did not understand any part of the process, so arrangements were made so that he had an "appropriate adult" present to ensure this at all times.

       This 3-episode series was nominated for eight BAFTA awards in 2012, and won all acting awards: Dominic West (as Fred West) and Emily Watson (as Janet Leach) won their respective leading players categories; Monica Dolan (as Rose West) won the best supporting actress award. All deserving, indeed.

       Unlike in many serial killer features, “Appropriate Adult” did not “humanize” Fred, he was presented as is sans bombastic tantrums or over-bloated “bad guy” hysterics. Janet wasn't the moralizing persona either; she was projected the way we expect others who are placed in such an eerie situation. No statement. Just as is. 

       Repeat: Loud accolades to the acting. Restrained yet forceful. Even Ms Dolan's quiet, piercing stare in the courtroom speaks nerve-wracking volumes. No need for words.

       The performers meticulously navigated Neil McKay's almost journalistic scripting. And Pat Campbell's production design (of the West house) and the yard, you could feel the disheveled anarchy right there. Just a decrepit house and yard, no identifying symbols or whatever to suggest outright evil. But disturbing. You could almost smell the stench of agony, torture, and lostness but simply watching those scenes. 🎥👍📽

“A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story” (Britbox) British historical drama. Synopsis: Ruth Ellis was the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom. She was convicted of murder following the fatal shooting of her abusive lover. Ruth was 29 years old.

       True crime cinema ushers discussion. Law, justice, bigotry, sociocultural facts. The case of Ms Ellis happened in the 1950s. Not a racial issue but a social status issue. Not to give away spoilers though, just watch it. My fervent intrigue though is, with or without capital punishment, if this case took place now, Ruth has a chance to avoid the “hallows.” 

       Lucy Boynton as Ruth Ellis delivers dramatic restraint in projecting fear and resignation but courageous defiance.

       Typical of most British series, this one is only 4 parts. We don't want to subject ourselves to elongated, lumbering narratives and injection of contrived “correctness” in true-to-life features that extend to 10 or 12 episodes. Four episodes is fine with me. 🎥💻📽

“See No Evil: The Moors Murders” (Amazon. Prime) British true-crime television series. Tells the story of the Moors murders, which were committed by Myra Hindley and Ian Brady. The narrative is from the viewpoint of Hindley's sister, Maureen Smith, and her husband David.

       The Moors murders were a series of child killings in and around Manchester, England, between July 1963 and October 1965. The victims were five children—Pauline Reade, John Kilbride, Keith Bennett, Lesley Ann Downey and Edward Evans—aged between 10 and 17, at least four of whom were sexually assaulted. 

       This series is short, 3 episodes, but I feel the first episode is wasted in a meandering, almost static pace. Only halfway in Episode 2 that the story actually focused on the crimes. But still the ensemble acting, notably Joanne Froggatt as Maureen Smith and George Costigan as the investigating copper, are exemplary. 🎥💻📽