Watch A Is for Acid

A Is for Acid is a British television movie from 2002 based on the true story of John George Haigh, a notorious serial killer who was active in the 1940s. The film stars Martin Clunes as Haigh, with Keeley Hawes as his former lover and Richard Hope as the detective who ultimately captures him. The movie begins with Haigh's childhood, where he is raised by strict, religious parents who instill in him a deep sense of guilt and shame. As an adult, Haigh becomes a con man and fraudster, using his smooth charm and wit to swindle his way through life. But when he discovers that he can dissolve bodies in acid, he becomes a serial killer, preying on vulnerable people in order to make money.

The film follows Haigh's twisted path from petty criminal to murderer. It highlights his undeniably sociopathic tendencies - he has no regard for human life and is completely manipulative, charming his victims and convincing them to trust him before ultimately killing them. Clunes gives a chillingly convincing performance as Haigh, bringing the character to life in a way that is both terrifying and fascinating to watch.

Haigh's former lover, played by Hawes, provides a glimpse into the killer's private life, giving viewers an insight into the psychological turmoil that made him who he was. She is a tragic figure, trapped in a toxic relationship with a man who is ultimately revealed to be a monster.

The movie also delves into the police investigation that ultimately led to Haigh's capture. Hope plays the detective in charge of the case, a man who is both methodical and intuitive in his pursuit of the killer. He is relentless in his pursuit of justice, even as he uncovers evidence that makes him question whether Haigh is capable of the atrocities he's being accused of.

One of the most striking elements of A Is for Acid is its portrayal of Haigh's mental state. The movie suggests that he suffered from a severe personality disorder, with his actions being driven by a deep-seated need for control and power. Haigh's downward spiral is portrayed as a slow burn, with his descent into murder being triggered by a combination of factors - his financial situation, his relationships with others, and his twisted psyche.

Overall, A Is for Acid is a gripping and disturbing movie that offers an insight into the mind of a serial killer. It is a sobering reminder of the dark side of human nature, and the lengths to which some people will go in order to satisfy their own twisted desires. Clunes, Hawes, and Hope all give outstanding performances, making this one of the best true crime movies in recent years.

A Is for Acid is a 2002 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.