I don’t watch a lot of period piece films. It is not that I don’t like them, the topic just needs to be of interest. Something drew me to this title, – The Suspicions of Mr Whicher. Turns out it is part of a series that is based on true events featuring Detective Inspector Jonathan "Jack" Whicher.
The story focuses around the murder of the young son of a well to do British family in 1860. Detective Inspector Wicher (Paddy Considine) of Scotland Yard is called in to investigate. The daughter, Constance Kent (Alexandra Roach) is accused as the prime suspect. She is the oldest daughter, who is resentful of her father who remarry soon after his first wife’s death and the victim perceived as a favored child from the new wife.
That this film is based on true events makes it even more chilling. It showcased the effect the class system played when a young lady of the upper class is accused a horrible crime by a working-class investigator and the strong sway public opinion held at that time.
Jack Wicher’s reputation is destroyed by this case and he knew that Constance was involved in the death of the child but the evidence didn’t support his suspicions. He was suspended from Scotland Yard. Spoiler alert: When Constance, years later confesses to the crime, Wicher is vindicated by not satisfied. He knew she didn’t do it alone.
The film was interesting but is slow, very BBC in its’ pacing. The acting overall was good. If you like period pieces with a strong British feel you may enjoy this film. There are several more films in this series and I may view them. I enjoyed the way the details unfolded and how the characters true natures were slowly peeled away.
Have you seen this film? What did you think?
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