This 94% Fresh British Gem Is the Best True Crime Project of 2025 So Far
A heartbreaking and multilayered story of a woman who went from victim to killer.
2025 has already given true crime fans one of the most powerful and poignant series – A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story.
It makes you not only follow the investigation but also deeply empathize with the characters and think about the nature of justice, sacrifice, and social norms.
A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is not just a retelling of a high-profile case – it is a multilayered psychological drama that stays with you long after the credits roll.
What Is 'A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story' About?
The series recounts the tragic true story of Ruth Ellis (Lucy Boynton), the last woman executed in the UK.
Ruth is a single mother of two who works in a nightclub while trying to build a new life. Her fate becomes entwined with two men: the respectable Desmond and the passionate but cruel racecar driver David.
After being plunged into a whirlpool of toxic relationship and domestic violence, Ruth ends up on trial for shooting her tormentor.
'A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story' Is Based on a Real Story That Has Already Been Adapted
Ruth Ellis's story has been adapted several times, the most famous work is the 1985 movie Dance with a Stranger.
However, while previous adaptations often focused on a dramatic love story, the new show takes a completely different approach. It offers a profound psychological and social analysis.
Rather than attempting to replicate past works, the creators offer a fresh, nuanced, and unbiased look at the motives and circumstances that turn a victim into a criminal.
'A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story' Is a Piercing Show Where There Is No Right Answer
A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story eschews simple interpretations. It's a poignant and heartbreaking show in which there are no clear rights or wrongs.
The creators don't whitewash Ruth by absolving her of responsibility for the murder, nor do they portray her as a monster. Instead, they guide viewers through all the circles of her hell, demonstrating how violence, public condemnation, and a lack of support can destroy a person.
The series masterfully recreates the atmosphere of the conservative 1950s, when a woman who dared to live outside societal rules was seen as a criminal.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story'?
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A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story has 94% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.0/10.
Where to Watch 'A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story'?
A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is available to stream on BritBox.
