Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
If there’s one genre that has taken off these last few years, it’s true crime.Boston Stranglerprovides us insight into one of the most infamous murder cases in American history and one of the first true serial killers. As a film, it’s almost a combination ofZodiacandSpotlight, which works perfectly to highlight the two incredible journalists behind the story.
Boston Stranglerfeatures two main characters: Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole, played by Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon respectively. Loretta is the main focus of the film as she is the journalist who uncovers the pattern of murders in Boston. This puts theBoston Record Americannewspaper not only in the spotlight of the city, but at odds with the police department as they are conducting a subpar investigation. Then, Loretta gets paired up with the more experienced investigative journalist Jean Cole to uncover the true identity of the Boston Strangler.
Also Read:Champions Review: Throwback Sports Comedy
The Critique
The biggest critique I can give this film is that the cinematography was very dark (a common theme in films and television today). I did appreciate the 1960’s aesthetic though, as well as the production design and costumes. Matt Ruskin did a nice job with the direction overall as well as writing the script; I liked that the film didn’t drag as well as the fact it was under two hours.
Keira Knightley did a brilliant job playing Loretta. Not only was the acting great, but I felt she did a fantastic job with the Boston/New England accent. Loretta is a determined journalist who not only wants to uncover the truth of the Boston Strangler, but gain the respect from the men running the paper. This is particularly true with her bosses Jack MacLaine and Eddie Holland, played by Chris Cooper and Robert John Burke.
Carrie Coon, while not the “lead”, gives a terrific performance as Jean. She not only acts as a partner to Loretta in the story, but also a mentor as well. She’s been in the world of investigative journalism longer than Loretta and has helpful connections. Chris Cooper was also a nice addition to the team as Jack; he’s difficult with Loretta in the beginning but turns around as the case progresses. The Boston Strangler himself is played by a fan favorite actor, but I’ll leave that for you to discover when watching the film.
In Conclusion
Overall, I would recommend watchingBoston Stranglerwhen it arrives on Hulu this Friday. True crime fans will especially enjoy it because of the subject, while general film fans will appreciate it as a ‘60s thriller. It’s nice to see Keira Knightley get a chance to shine in a movie like this while highlighting how important investigative journalism is and how much Loretta and Jean were trailblazers and helped make sure women are treated equally in the workplace.
Rating: 8/10
Follow us for more entertainment coverage onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram, andYouTube.
Elliott Wishnefsky
Film/TV Critic
Articles Published :89
Elliott Wishnefsky is a Film/TV Critic for FandomWire and a member of the Critics Choice Association. He’s a graduate of Millersville University with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Elliott is also a content creator for his own brand, Learning at the Movies! Twitter: @Learning_Movies | Facebook/Instagram: @learningatthemovies | TikTok: @learningatthemovies
More from Elliott Wishnefsky
Rebel Moon: Part 2 – The Scargiver Interview – Zack Snyder Discusses the Film
Invincible S2, Episode 1 Review – “A Lesson for Your Next Life”
Invincible S2 – Part One Review: Back and Better Than Ever
Recommended
2 Reasons Why the Helldivers 2 x Halo ODST Warbond Isn’t Perfect
Who Is Jasveen Sangha: Ketamine Queen Connected to Matthew Perry’s Death
Sean McLaughlin’s Dad Just Became the Unlikely Villain (or Hero) of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’
Madison Beer’s Boyfriend: Who Is She Dating?
Helldivers 2 X Halo ODST Legendary Warbond Crossover: Complete Rundown
Good Boy Director Explains How He Made His Dog Act in 2025’s Most Inventive Horror Movie
20th Century StudiosBoston StranglerCarrie CoonChris CooperHuluKeira KnightleyTrue Crime
