From narrative films (“Zodiac”), Tv series (“Mindhunter”) to doc series (see everything Netflix is consumed with and their Ted Bundy doc), serial killers tend to be compelling subject matter for crime thrillers. And thus, yet another new film gestating at 20th Century Studios will spotlight the notorious true-life Boston serial killer with Matt Ruskin (“Crown Heights”) writing and directing “Boston Strangler” starring Oscar-nominee Kiera Knightley, according to Deadline.
Knightley (“The Intimidation Game,” “Atonement,” “Silent Night”) will play Boston reporter Loretta McLaughlin in the drama, who first connected a string of murders and broke the Strangler story alongside fellow reporter Jean Cole. The two women worked against the sexism of the 1960s to keep women informed about the infamous killer and rapist of Boston area women. They also cast doubt on the true identity of the Strangler.
The 20th Century project certainly sounds like it could take cues from Fincher’s aforementioned “Zodiac” and the underrated British true-crime film trilogy “Red Riding,” the latter focusing on the Yorkshire Ripper and corrupt police department. It’s also mentioned in the Deadline report that Ruskin did his homework with extensive research with the families of the female reporters.
“Boston Strangler” will be produced by Ridley Scott’s Scott Free and LuckChap Entertainment.
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Jean Cole will be the next significant role for Ruskin to fill with filming said to begin this December in Boston, giving the film an element of authenticity by shooting in the city where the murders took place.