Boston Strangler
HuluWithout a doubt, the true crime genre has found a relevance and life unlike ever before. Ranging throughout a number of different mediums and tones, more eyes are curious about true cases of murder and violence than possibly ever before. Streaming on Hulu, Matt Ruskin's Boston Strangler looks to tell the story of the Boston Strangler, which saw the death of 13 women during the 1960s. Specifically, the film looks to shine a light on Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) and Jean Cole (Carrie Coon) who broke gender barriers by reporting on the case and pushing a failing police system that struggled to find leads or momentum in their investigation.
Both in its visual presentation and spirit, Boston Strangler is a gloomy and cold film. The screen is moody and dark with shadows and drab colors washing over the screen. While there is no denying the stylistic and thematic intent behind this choice, the limitations of Matt Ruskin as a director are made obviously apparent as the film never fully gives in to the darker venom it is trying to craft. Unlike a project such as Mindhunter which sees David Fincher craft a twisted and wicked lack of life and color as it dives into the minds of those willing to commit crimes of violence, the direction and craft of Boston Strangler feels far more casual and forgettable with the lack of poignance and sharpness needed to bring a visual style like this to life.
These limitations continue onto the screenplay, which also comes from Ruskin. Boston Strangler is a film dedicated to the feminist power put on display by McLaughlin and Cole, who rise above everything socially working against them to tell the truth about what is happening. This is largely led by the understanding they have of the fear women are facing because of this killer with the male-dominated society not understanding the larger consequences and emotions of the situation. For this story, the need for a female voice behind the scenes feels obvious with the movie finding a somewhat basic understanding of the topic, never quite scratching past the expected surface. While this angle is far from bad, it simply feels hollow with the lack of authenticity and understanding behind the camera to match the experiences being portrayed in front of it.
No fault, however, should be cast on either Knightley or Coon who are both great. Really bringing to light the weight of the situation with both personality and harrowing tenseness, both actors turn in solid work despite some of the weaknesses when it comes to the material each is given. When it comes to the crimes themselves, the film finds far bigger successes. Not only does the film do a flawless job of showing the specific complexities and challenges of the case, but it also carries a real gravitas when it comes to the victims. Rather than feeling exploitative, the film wisely shows restraint in its presentation of these murders and consistently reinforces the tragic truth that these are innocent lives being taken. Even as the characters themselves at times begin to lose this concept, it always works its way back in which is far more than many modern true crime projects can say.
For fans of the true crime genre, Boston Strangler will provide an adequate retelling of this classic case with strong performances and a unique perspective. While the limitations of Ruskin both as director and screenwriter are obvious, the film still delivers enough to be worthy of a recommendation.
