The Long Shadow

So, you might be wondering what Dominik Moll’s movie “The Night of the 12th” (La Nuit du 12) has to do with the British true crime series “The Long Shadow.” Let me break it down. Despite their apparent differences, both narratives, adapted from non-fiction books, shed light on a disturbing reality: the bias and prejudice faced by women who are perceived as having multiple partners. It’s almost as if these women are deemed deserving of their fate. Despite being set in Europe roughly half a century apart, the misogyny remains eerily consistent. It’s like that old saying, “There is nothing new on the Western front.”

In 2023, a British true crime series comprising 7 episodes titled “The Long Shadow” delves into the hunt for the notorious serial killer dubbed “The Yorkshire Ripper,” who terrorized the north of England in the 1970s, claiming the lives of 13 women and sparking widespread social unrest. Directed by Lewis Arnold and written by the acclaimed George Kay, known for his work on hits like “Lupin,” “Hijack,” and “Criminal,” the series is based on Michael Bilton’s book “Wicked Beyond Belief: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper.” In a commendable move, Kay opted not to use “The Yorkshire Ripper” in the title, recognizing the derogatory nature of the term towards the victims’ families.

Kay’s meticulous approach involved extensive research, drawing from primary sources, and consulting with the families of victims, survivors, and detectives over four years. It’s evident that the families’ perspectives were carefully considered at every stage of “The Long Shadow’s” creation. Unlike typical serial killer dramas, the series deliberately shifts focus away from the perpetrator, steering clear of glorification.

One of the series’ strengths lies in its poignant portrayal of the socio-economic backdrop against which these horrific crimes unfolded. The dire economic circumstances forced women into prostitution to support their families, making them easy targets for the perpetrator. As the police struggled to apprehend the killer, each new murder intensified the fear and tension gripping the community, leaving women afraid to venture out alone at night.

Another parallel with Dominik Moll’s “The Night of the 12th” is the depiction of the maddening frustration experienced by investigators grappling with unsolved cases. However, a notable challenge in “The Long Shadow” is the frequent turnover of investigators assigned to the case. While this may reflect reality and highlight the high stakes involved, it also poses a challenge for viewers trying to invest in the characters. Personally, I found myself rooting for the initial investigator, and his replacement left me somewhat disengaged from the show.

Whenever a new British crime series emerges, my expectations soar. While “The Long Shadow” didn’t disappoint, my top three favorites in the British crime genre remain unchanged: “Broadchurch”, “Happy Valley”, and “The Missing.”

If interested here is the blog post for “The Night of the 12th”: https://ezgikizmaz.com/2024/02/15/the-night-of-the-12th/