A spine-tingling true crime film exploring a string of horrific, real-life killings is set to broadcast on Channel 4.
Audiences can either catch it this evening at 10:35 on Channel 4Seven, or watch it entirely free with advertisements on the broadcaster’s online streaming service.
Drawing comparisons to the legendary serial killer thriller Zodiac and featuring cherished stars Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon, Boston Strangler is essential viewing for true crime enthusiasts.
Taking place in 1960s Boston, this 2023 thriller chronicles journalists Loretta McLaughlin (portrayed by Knightley) and Jean Cole (Coon), who probe the ghastly slayings of 13 women for the Boston Record American.
Audiences will uncover details about not only the heinous crimes and the perpetrator’s victims, but also the institutional sexism that nearly stopped the story from reaching the masses, reports the Mirror.
Initially launched by Hulu and accessible to stream on Disney+, those who haven’t paid for a subscription to the streaming platform now get the opportunity to view without any cost.
Whilst it presently holds a decent 67 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, it has developed a devoted fanbase of true crime devotees who unanimously believe this cleverly crafted and moody interpretation of a notorious chapter in Boston’s past deserves attention.
One five-star viewer assessment proclaimed: “This movie was excellent. Great acting, intriguing true crime story, smart dialogue. I am shocked that the reviews aren’t higher!” Another fan agreed: “Boston Strangler offers an intriguing retelling of the notorious murders that shook 1960s Boston, with compelling performances from Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon.”
Acclaim poured in on Letterboxd where one glowing review declared Boston Strangler surpasses even Zodiac in complexity due to its feminist undertones.
“This film has enough confidence in the real story it’s telling (more layered than the one zodiac tackles because it’s also about the real lives of the female investigative journalists involved) that it doesn’t feel the need to lean too hard on a shallow yet popular version of the killer’s mythology,” they continued.
“Instead it paints a bleak but realistic picture of a decentralized investigation and an urban myth swept under the rug by fatigued institutions desperate to placate a terrified and even more fatigued public. The performances were exactly what they needed to be for this kind of film.”
A final viewer echoed the sentiment: “Huge huge huge zodiac vibes but honestly in a good way, very thorough storytelling and while the ending was a little interesting for me I still loved the movie a lot none of the less.
“Fantastic casting as well and the music and cinematography were a lot better than I was expected for what I assume was a straight to hulu release from 20th century fox.
“Anyways it’s great and if you like zodiac you’re going to like this I promise you!”
As the autumn nights begin to lengthen, will you be scheduling some time this week to immerse yourself in this captivating true crime film?
Boston Strangler is available to stream on Channel 4.
