Unraveling Ruth Ellis: A Gripping Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Execution

by

David Blakely (Laurie Davidson), with a whisper as charming as his name, tells Ruth Ellis (Lucy Boynton) early on in “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story,” “I’m incredibly fearful that I’m falling for you.” However, the sentiment would be more endearing if not for the fact that each time David leans to kiss Ruth’s neck, his grip tightens. This isn’t a promising start for their relationship, but it’s one that Ruth eventually embraces and continues for two years. It’s this very relationship that ultimately sets the stage for her story in this gripping true-crime BritBox miniseries about Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in Britain.

In this series, Boynton (from “The Politician” and “Murder on the Orient Express”) and BAFTA-winning actor Toby Jones (“The Long Shadow,” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”) are the main stars. Toby Jones portrays John Bickford, a tenacious lawyer representing Ellis in the series. The captivating four-part miniseries is adapted from Carol Ann Lee’s biography and aims to shed light on a case that drew attention globally.

In the skillful hands of director Lee Haven Jones, this series propels towards its conclusion at a swift and engaging pace, seldom lingering in one scene for too long. The narrative style lends itself to a dreamlike quality, as if it’s drifting between different times, with our protagonist Ruth reminiscing about events either on the night before her execution or during intense legal consultations. If American TV could captivate audiences this swiftly in its debut episode, it would be a marvel. Enthralling and bewitching, A Cruel Love is an irresistibly addictive delight.

True Murderess or Woman with a Secret?

1955 found me, Ruth Ellis, ascending the social ladders within the dazzling London nightclub scene. By the tender age of 28, I had earned the title of the capital’s youngest and arguably wisest club manageress. My establishment catered to male patrons with “exclusive” experiences, for which I would later face judgment. As the narrative unfolds, I stand trial, ultimately receiving a verdict of death. This sentence wasn’t primarily due to my actions in taking a life, but rather who I was and how I conducted myself within the club environment. In just 14 minutes, a jury delivered their verdict against me in 1955.

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, this captivating miniseries kicks off on July 13, 1955, the fateful day Ellis was hanged for gunning down Blakely, a renowned playboy and race car driver at that time. The narrative weaves seamlessly between past and present, leaving us bewildered as Ruth’s primary lawyer is taken aback by her voluntary admission to murdering David outside the Magdala pub in Hampstead, London. What intrigues me the most is that she seems reluctant to reveal that she killed David due to the physical abuse he inflicted upon her. This mysterious aspect of her confession only intensifies the suspense. So, if it wasn’t because of the violence, then what was her motive? Indeed, this crime caper promises to be unforgettable!

In due course, it will be fascinating to observe David instigate a significant turn of events in Ruth’s life trajectory. At present, she stands at the pinnacle of her career, brimming with self-assuredness and wealth. She gracefully manages two children in her cozy apartment. However, the initial allure of David spirals into something sinister, leading Ruth to succumb to manipulation. Her world begins to contract while her fixation expands. Amidst the misogyny and abuse she endures, it’s evident that Ruth yearns deeply for love and affection, which ultimately leads to her undoing.

Hail, The Almighty Lucy Boynton

There’s no greater pleasure than seeing an actress become one with a role, and Lucy Boynton delivers a performance that deserves recognition in this piece. The author enjoys shaking up the storytelling format every now and then, keeping viewers guessing even more. Boynton’s portrayal is multifaceted, sometimes confounding yet consistently genuine, and it skillfully conveys Ellis’s deep empathy for her friends and David, as well as her unwavering commitment to her convictions. Just like Ruth Ellis, this actress stands out on her own.

Toby Jones is simply flawless in this role; he’s the embodiment of wisdom and kindness we all need. His co-stars, including Joe Armstrong, Arthur Darvill, Nigel Havers, Toby Stephens, Juliet Stevenson, Bessie Carter, and Rowan Robinson, deliver outstanding performances that greatly enhance the production. The overall product does an impressive job of creating a rich and captivating world in a brief span.

A Witty Deconstruction of London Society

Here in this production, London’s influential society is also highlighted, with the creative trio – writer Kelly Jones, director Lee Haven Jones, and producer Angie Daniell – illuminating its profound impact. At a social gathering, a supporter of David makes a sly comment to Ruth, “You’ve been a wonderful friend, my dear,” and claims David is engaged to someone else. Yet, Ruth remains unperturbed. Could the subtle jabs and criticisms have contributed to Ruth taking such drastic action? At one instance, she humorously says, “I just hope the malicious snobs will pay for their actions.

In the upcoming episodes of “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story,” streamed on BritBox, Desmond (Mark Stanley) becomes increasingly significant as a new love interest and potential suspect in the murder plot. By the end of Episode 2, the intrigue only intensifies, so prepare yourself for an enthralling conclusion. With its exceptional storytelling, stunning production design, and a captivating performance by Lucy Boynton, this miniseries is truly unforgettable and impossible to look away from.

Read More

2025-02-19 08:02