Summary
The story of the Boston Strangler is rebirthed yet again to fit within the modern fad of true crime.
This film is serviceable, that is probably as much of a pro as I am going to give it. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with it, but if you view this alongside films like From Hell or Fincher’s Zodiac then you will see where it falls down.
Keira Knightley does all she can to save this film and her American accent is a thing to behold all its own, but it simply isn’t enough. The film takes what could be quite an interesting true crime story and drags it out and pads it until it is boring and you have long since stopped caring.
The film tries to address the sexism of the period, which we would all just assume is rampant anyway, but again doesn’t go anywhere with it beyond the standard, it was bad back then narrative. Although you can understand why the film does it, the more time it takes out to show us the homelife of Knightley’s character the more you tune out as people are hear for the grizzly crimes and the murder investigation not to learn more about Knightley’s characters strained relationship with her mother.
Overall, a crime thriller without any real bite. Bland at best.
2.5/5
Pros.
Knightley is trying her best
It has some good chills
When it is showing the actual investigation it is interesting
Cons.
Too much filler and padding
Brutal pacing issues
A wasted supporting cast
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Another Millennial Reviewer 