BOSTON STRANGLER

Set between the years 1962-1965 and based upon true events, the story follows reporters Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) and Jean Cole (Carrie Coon) who discovered the pattern of the killings that terrorized the city during a period of time where women were expected to tend to more domesticating duties. Unfortunately, this is a water downed version of what could have been a great movie. None of the slayings are shown onscreen, more than likely out of respect for the victims, but also because this is not that type of movie. Due to the time period, there's obviously sexism working against the women that's briefly discussed but before long the training wheels are off and the women are able to do their job with the support of their superior Jack Maclaine (Chris Cooper). However, the film seems to be a retelling of events with little tension or emotional connection with the audience. The victims screen time is minimal so they become faceless victims in a way. The premise was there, getting actors such as Knightley and Cooper on board validates it, but the execution was too safe and lukewarm. I will hand it to the marketing department for releasing it on St. Patrick's Day (points for that one). 6/10