Reviewing films and television series based on real-life figures presents unique challenges. The accuracy of the portrayal often raises questions: Are we missing essential context? This dilemma becomes particularly pronounced when the individual in question has significantly influenced history and society. A perfect illustration of this is ITV’s and BritBox’s captivating new series, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story.
For those unfamiliar with Ruth Ellis, especially viewers outside the U. K., her story may not have crossed your radar—myself included until recently. Ellis holds a pivotal place in British history as the last woman to be executed in the U. K.in 1955, after she was found guilty of murder for shooting her lover, David Blakely, a playboy racing driver. The case captured public attention not only for the shocking manner of the crime, committed in full view of patrons at a crowded London pub, but also for the societal implications surrounding Ellis. She became emblematic of the struggles women faced during a time when traditional roles were severely constraining.
While I do not claim expertise in the historical intricacies of Ellis’ case, my review focuses on the narrative presented in the series. The creators have evidently committed to a rigorous exploration of historical documentation, drawing inspiration from Carol Ann Lee’s well-regarded biography A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story and utilizing court transcripts to construct a thoughtful dramatization of her tumultuous life.
A Woman Who Deserved More
In this series, Lucy Boynton delivers a striking performance as Ruth Ellis, a determined and ambitious woman who masked her true origins while pursuing success. Ruth’s longing for fulfillment—power, love, and freedom—stands at the story’s core. Recently divorced and a mother of two, she rises to become one of London’s youngest nightclub managers, attracting the attention of two men: Desmond Cussen (Mark Stanley) and David Blakely (Laurie Davidson).While she keeps her distance from Cussen, despite his professed love, her passionate and ultimately destructive affair with Blakely takes center stage.
Blakely’s character is marred by his abusive behavior—an unfortunate dynamic where moments of regret are undercut by recurrent violence. Through Boynton’s compelling chemistry with Davidson, viewers gain insight into Ruth’s emotional entanglement with him. She finds herself drawn to his allure, despite the dangers he represents. Conversely, Cussen’s obsession with Ruth exposes his jealousy and cowardice, traits that Stanley captures effectively.
A Cruel Love challenges the notion that Ruth’s actions stemmed solely from personal betrayal. Instead, it suggests a deeper manipulation by Cussen, who escapes accountability while Ruth faces unspeakable consequences. The evolution of Cussen’s character from apparent ally to sinister manipulator is skillfully portrayed, highlighting the insidiousness of his influence.
Ruth’s narrative illustrates not only personal abuse but also societal failures—she faced injustice not only from the men in her life but also from the British legal system and entrenched class hierarchies. Rooted in a society grappling with post-World War II ideals, Ruth’s ambitions to assert her independence were seen as a threat to the gender norms of the era. Perceived as suffering from “hysteria, ”the establishment’s response was nothing short of punitive.
Her trial was alarmingly swift—just two days—leading to her execution within three weeks, starkly highlighting a miscarriage of justice. Arthur Darvill portrays Ruth’s lawyer, who conveys the absurdity of the judicial process of the time, where divorce cases typically stretched across months, yet Ruth’s fate was sealed in mere days.
The series unfolds across four episodes, effectively juxtaposing Ruth’s life before and after her fateful decision. While the pacing captures the abruptness of her tragic end, a deeper exploration of public outcry following her execution could have enhanced the narrative’s emotional weight. Audiences are hinted at the public’s outrage, with scenes depicting protests for her release and journalistic efforts to uncover the truth. However, more elaboration on the societal implications of her case would have strengthened Ruth’s enduring legacy.
One particularly poignant moment occurs near the finale, where Ruth reflects on her brief incarceration, revealing that it might have been the only time in her life when she found peace. This powerful portrayal underscores the depth of suffering she endured. Ultimately, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story does not shy away from amplifying her voice and advocating for the recognition she truly deserved.
This compelling series premieres on BritBox in North America on February 17, with new episodes released weekly until March 3.
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