Boston strangler movie review 2023

Matt Ruskin's "Boston Strangler" is a gripping film that showcases the journalistic feats of Loretta McLaughlin, portrayed by the tenacious and compelling Keira Knightley, and her collaborative partner Jean Cole, played by Carrie Coon. Set in the 1960s, the film is based on the true story of the gruesome murders of several women in the Boston area, all strangled with their underwear tied around their necks in a bow. Loretta and Jean are the first to uncover a connection between the murders and pursue it through the paper. They are well aware of the importance of this information for women all around the greater Boston area.

The film presents itself as a type of newspaper noir, reminiscent of David Fincher's "Zodiac," but with a more subdued tone. Ruskin's flawed tribute to Loretta and Jean's journalistic competency and courage still manages to entertain audiences. The plot of the film takes on some interesting layers, including when Loretta and Jean call out the Boston police in the paper for their mishandling of the investigation, leaving innocent Bostonians in a dangerous dark. The film also explores the challenges of women in a predominantly male space while investigating a crime about women in danger. However, the movie loses the worry of Loretta facing immediate danger from either the murderer or anyone backing the police. Instead, the stakes are more about someone believing so hard in the case they risk losing focus on their family life, but the film doesn't have much space for that.

Despite Ruskin's attempts to offer the comforting spectacle of gumption, the film's growing drabness is evident in a maudlin score heavy on somber strings and an absence of a distinct visual style. Scenes of Loretta and Jean poring over documents, and moments meant to sting, lose their effect. Even the Boston Strangler cutaway scenes are too much like History Channel reenactments to offer an unsettling air. The movie wants to be as streamlined as possible, and there's plenty of reason to think more time with everyone would help fill out its themes.

Alessandro Nivola's suave toughness as a Boston cop who starts to see the purpose in supporting Loretta's tenacity, and Chris Cooper's role as Loretta's arms-crossing boss, offer some respite from the film's cliches. Bill Camp's portrayal of the Boston PD commissioner and David Dastmalchian's resourceful character feel rote and predictable.

The film reaches a point in which it is totally controlled by the wild course of events it is recreating, and it does make for decent, unsettling twists in a third act based on truth. However, the emotional resonance is scant, even for how "Boston Strangler" casts another spotlight on game-changing Boston journalism. By the end, even Knightley only has so much space to construct a distinct arc from a dedication that lasted years and altered Loretta's personal life. Ruskin succeeds in paying tribute to Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole's hard work, but it's less successful in filling in the larger story.

Overall, "Boston Strangler" is a film worth watching for its portrayal of Loretta and Jean's journalistic feats and the challenges they faced as women in a predominantly male space. However, the film's flaws, including its lack of distinct visual style, predictable characters, and growing drabness, make it fall short of its potential. Despite this, Knightley's portrayal of Loretta and Coon's portrayal of Jean, along with Nivola's performance, make it an engaging watch. "Boston Strangler" is now available to stream on Hulu.

Short review for subscribers in below

The riveting crime drama "Boston Strangler" follows the story of Loretta McLaughlin, a determined journalist who becomes the first person to connect the dots between a series of gruesome murders in Boston. As the mysterious killer continues to claim more victims, Loretta sets out to investigate alongside her trusted colleague and confidante, Jean Cole.

With an R rating for language and some violent content, "Boston Strangler" is a gripping tale of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie is directed by Matt Ruskin and produced by a team that includes Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara, Michael J. Pruss, Ridley Scott, and Kevin J. Walsh. Ruskin himself wrote the screenplay for this thrilling crime drama.

Streaming exclusively on Hulu starting March 17, 2023, "Boston Strangler" runs for 1 hour and 52 minutes. The movie is presented in Dolby Digital sound and a flat aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Get ready for a heart-pounding ride through the streets of Boston as Loretta and Jean race against time to uncover the truth behind the shocking murders.