Period drama with 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating is 'all you'd ever want'
The ITV miniseries set in the 1950s has captured viewers' attention, with many labelling it a 'must-watch'. The show dives into the riveting true-to-life saga of Ruth Ellis—a tale dramatised over four compelling episodes in A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story.
The historical drama stars Lucy Boynton as Ruth Ellis, depicting her downfall as the fateful final woman to meet her end by hanging in Britain.
Ruth Ellis was a Welsh nightclub hostess before she became infamous for the murder of her ex-lover, sealing her fate as the last woman to face capital punishment in the UK.
On a fateful Easter Sunday in 1955, Ellis coldly shot David Blakely outside a Hampstead pub. Her actions swiftly led to her arrest.
Her trial resulted in a conviction for wilful and premeditated murder, and she faced not merely a term behind bars but the gallows. July 13th marked her execution at Holloway Prison, ending an era of such sentences, reports the Express.
Giving their thumbs-up to the series, a Rotten Tomatoes critic said: "Brilliantly made limited series! Acting is phenomenal. A must-watch."
Another viewer hinted at potential awards acclaim, suggesting the drama was "BAFTA stuff".
One review reads: "Just watch this, as it's BAFTA stuff, and it will get both Lucy and Toby Jones more nominations for awards, plus maybe Ruth's case will be reviewed and she'll be finally pardoned."
Starring alongside Boynton is Toby Jones, a renowned British film star, who portrays John Bickford, the solicitor instrumental in aiding Ellis during her trial. The Times praised Jones, stating that the 58 year old actor should take pride in his "quietly haunting performance".
Meanwhile, others have commented that watching him on screen is always time well spent.
A critic for the London Evening Standard said: "Ruth was betrayed by a system that wanted to punish her for daring to be different. At least this show gives her something approaching justice, even if it was denied her in real life."
This aspect of Ellis' story is particularly compelling, as her untimely death sparked widespread controversy throughout the justice system and garnered heavy criticism from the press. In fact, her execution played a significant role in galvanizing support for the abolition of the death penalty, with the last execution of a male taking place in 1964.
Despite some viewers criticizing the series for its handling of taboo subjects and historical accuracy, as well as its portrayal of real-life individuals, one review summarized: "First off, it's good. Lucy does well but is held back by poor dialogue and writing. The basic story is simple..." A viewer offered a poignant critique, saying: "Perhaps the short series is meant to reflect the swiftness of Ruth's ending, but I must admit I would have appreciated a little more of a glimpse into society's response to Ruth's hanging."
For those on the hunt for their next series obsession, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story can be streamed at no cost on ITVX right now.
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