BritBox’s ‘A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story’ Is an Unflinching Crime Drama Centered on Capital Punishment: TV Review

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Titled “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story” and inspired by Carol Anne Lee’s biography “A Fine Day for Hanging,” this gripping historical crime drama airing on BritBox centers around a determined woman grappling with abuse, misogyny, trauma, and her longing for love. Lucy Boynton delivers an outstanding performance as Ruth Ellis, a young mother who was convicted of murdering her abusive partner, marking the last hanging of a woman in the United Kingdom. In essence, it’s a chilling story about a woman seeking love and justice amidst adversity.

A Compelling Obsession: The Story of Ruth Ellis”

In contemporary America, capital punishment remains a contentious issue. Conversely, it has been abolished in numerous regions worldwide. This drama delves into the reasons why an apparently respectable individual might be pushed to carry out such a horrendous crime and how society responds to such actions with condemnation. The narrative commences on July 13, 1955, the day when Ruth Ellis is put to death for murdering race car driver David Blakely (portrayed by Laurie Davidson). Despite her dire circumstances, Ruth maintains a tranquil demeanor as she consumes her last meal of eggs and coffee. She rejects anxiety medication offered by the prison nurse and dresses elegantly in a silk blouse and skirt, completing her outfit with her signature red lipstick. Even those around her, such as the prison guards, the undertaker, and even the warden, seem disquieted by the proceedings. However, Ruth stands resolute in the face of her fate.

Under the direction of Lee Haven Jones, the initial installments of the four-part series narrate the events following Ruth’s arrest, rapid trial, conviction, and sentencing. This unfolds just three months before her scheduled execution on Easter Sunday in 1955. On that day, authorities apprehend Ruth, attired in a striking grey coat, after she fatally shoots David at close range. Remaining composed in the interrogation room, she confesses to the detectives: “I am guilty. I’m rather confused.” Although she eventually enlists defense attorney John Bickford (portrayed by Toby Jones), she consistently questions his advice. Initially reluctant to disclose the physical and emotional abuse she suffered at David’s hands, Ruth is also hesitant to reveal her accomplice due to a misplaced sense of loyalty.

The first two episodes of the four-part series show what happens after Ruth gets arrested, tried quickly, found guilty, and sentenced to death. This takes place three months before she’s supposed to die on Easter Sunday in 1955. On that day, authorities catch Ruth wearing a nice grey coat after shooting David at close range. In the interrogation room, she tells the detectives: “I did it, but I’m confused.” She later hires defense attorney John Bickford (played by Toby Jones), but she doesn’t always listen to his advice. At first, Ruth refuses to talk about the abuse she suffered at David’s hands and keeps quiet about an accomplice who helped her, because of a strange sense of loyalty.

The entirety of “A Cruel Love” moves swiftly and is packed with details, but it’s the latter half that truly grips you. From behind bars, Ruth contemplates her turbulent two-year romance with David. Initially, she boasts a thriving career, savings, custody of her kids, and a beautiful apartment. As we delve into flashbacks, we witness how David’s obsession with Ruth and his manipulative tactics and fearful behavior systematically destroyed the accomplishments she had painstakingly achieved. The series additionally delves into the codependent bond shared by David and his friends Carole (Bessie Carte) and Anthony Findlater (Ed Sayer). This couple, who are involved with a race car driver, exploit their relationship to create discord between David and Ruth.

Watching “A Cruel Love” can be heart-wrenching, particularly as Ruth experiences numerous acts of violence perpetrated by multiple men. Yet, the series itself is visually captivating. The cinematography, under the guidance of Bryan Gavigan, along with the production design by Stephen Campbell and costuming by Michael Weldon, immerse viewers in 1950s London. Although much of society remains bound by post-World War II conservatism, Ruth, with her bleached blonde curls, bold makeup, and fashionable attire, exists (and flourishes) beyond the era’s constraints.

The series gains further interest by exploring the societal norms of its era through characters like Ruth, who bucked traditional roles. As a single mother and one of London’s youngest club managers, as well as a sex worker, she challenges the notions of respectability. Her profession casts her out in high society and among other women, yet men find her alluring, which only fuels their disdain. This is evident in interactions with her boss at the club, David, Desmond, and even the police officers and judge, who seem to view her as deserving of punishment not just for her actions, but also for her attractiveness, perceived power, and refusal to conform.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but be deeply moved by “A Cruel Love.” What strikes me the most is Ruth’s resilience in standing up for the very men who had so cruelly deceived her. This series isn’t just a reinterpretation of a woman’s life cruelly disrupted and tragically ended, but it serves as a mirror, reflecting some of humanity’s darkest practices. It exposes how our legal systems, supposedly designed to uphold justice, often fail those deemed undesirable or unworthy, ultimately leading them to disappear within its very structures that were never meant for them in the first place.

Beginning February 17th, the initial instalments of “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story” will be available on BritBox, with fresh episodes being released every Monday thereafter.

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2025-02-17 17:17