What Is the Story About?
Boston Strangler is based on the true story of the Boston Strangler, who in the 1960s killed 13 women in Boston. The film follows Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole, the reporters who broke the serial-killer story for the Boston Record American, as they unravel and uncover the tightened loops in the case that shook America.
Performances?
Keira Knightley carries the film. Loretta McLaughlin’s determination to get after the Boston Strangler case and her vulnerabilities of shine through Knightley’s eyes. One of the major reasons why the film works is her conviction in the part she plays and how believably she does it. Carrie Coon’s performance as Jean Cole is also good enough. Her scenes with Keira Knightley really makes for a convincing camaraderie cum friendship between the real life journalists.
Analysis
Boston Strangler is an American historical crime drama film written and directed by Matt Ruskin. Based on the true crime story of the Boston Strangler, who in the 1960s killed 13 women in Boston, Boston Strangler is strictly from the point of view of the two women journalists who covered the sensational case that shook America.
Boston Strangler starts with a murder of an old woman in shocking circumstances. This is followed by two other murders in a very similar pattern. Suspecting a connection between the three murders, Record American Journalist Loretta McLaughlin investigates the three cases where older women were raped and strangulated.
Calling the murderer ‘Boston Strangler’, Loretta covers the case in a special column. She confirms that all victims had stockings tied around their necks in the form of a bow. Despite initial attempts to kill the story to save the paper’s reputation, repetitive killings of women in the city forces Record American to continue Loretta’s column. She is now joined by another investigative journalist Jean Cole.
What follows is the two women trying to track the string of cases and round at suspects and to finally expose the Boston Strangler. The film takes up a very predictable, tried and tested serial killer documentary narration format and sometimes even lands nowhere. Boston Strangler critiques the prevalent sexism during the 60s, in the work-places, homes and public, the over-sensationalising media, while also commenting upon the inefficiency of the state and Homicide departments in handling such cases.
All that is well and good, but a sickening real-time serial killer story like this deserved a better treatment and screenplay precisely. Like, say a Zodiac, or a Memories of Murder, or Se7en. Despite a sickening series of murders that happened in the city, the writing takes minimal to no effort in building up fear or inquisitiveness.
At one point of time, Boston strangler even tries to highlight the fear the women journalists face for their life amidst their revelatory investigation, only to combust the angle off permanently. However, the third act takes the tension notches above without over-sensationalising the victims and makes the film a one-time worthy watch.
In short, Boston Strangler tackles a very interesting and sickening real-time series of murders that shook America. Aided by strong performances, a well executed third act and camera work, the film lands better. If you’re into true crime stories, Boston Strangler is right up your alley. But, do not go in expecting a Zodiac or Memories of Murder.
Music and Other Departments?
Ben Kutchins cinematography work for Boston Strangler is quite good. The colour palette and staging creates the right amount of nausea even when the videography isn’t stomach-churning. Paul Leonard Morgan’s score and music is adequate. However, Anne McCabe has let down in the editing department.
Highlights?
Real story
Keira Knightley
Production Design
Drawbacks?
Jumbling Screenplay
Duration
Mellowed treatment to a Fear inducing story
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes. In parts.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes. But with reservations
Boston Strangler Review by Binged Bureau
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
