scrubber

Superb drama based on the true story of a group of women in Corby, UK who find that their babies are being born with limb deformities. Two women played by Jodie Whittaker and Aimee Lee Wood first notice that their babies, born at the same time, have defects. Suspecting that the demolition of the local disused steel works could be a cause they post their experience on line to find out if this is a major problem. Many more cases come forward. They employ a solicitor, Rory Kinnear, to represent them on a no win no fee basis.

Unsurprisingly, the council who are funding the demolition use all in their power to discredit the women. Brendon Coyle plays the council leader who has appointed the contractors on the cheap with corners being cut and H & S regulations being ignored. The quiet, methodical and dogged Rory Kinnear fights them all the way.

A very moving drama with great acting by all the cast.

This is based on the true story of a serial rapist who committed his offences over about 30 years. I admit that I was not familiar with the case as it was not widely reported in the UK. It is a methodical docudrama which starts in 1988 and finishes at the trial in 2022 thirty four years later. Each of the six episodes tells the story from the point of view of a leading character at various years of the investigation. Maybe it was a sign of the times but in the early stages the police showed little compassion for the victims and made only a token effort to investigate. It was awkward to watch, as traumatised victims were reporting their sexual assaults to sceptical police elsewhere in the police station officers were partying like it was New Years Eve. Shocking. Over the years various investigators seemed to be closing in on the rapist, but he still remained free to continue his evil deeds.

This was a compelling watch but had many scenes which could make uncomfortable viewing.

Highly recommended.