Watch Red Riding 1980

In 2009, the British mystery-thriller film 'Red Riding 1980' was released, directed by James Marsh and starring Andrew Garfield, David Morrissey, and John Henshaw. The movie is based on the second installment of David Peace's Red Riding Quartet, which revolves around the Yorkshire Ripper serial murders that took place in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The story of 'Red Riding 1980' follows young journalist Eddie Dunford (played by Andrew Garfield), who is investigating a series of child abductions and murders in the town of West Yorkshire. As he delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover a web of corruption and deceit that implicates some of the most powerful figures in the region, including the police, the establishment, and wealthy property developers.

Eddie's investigation leads him to cross paths with John Piggott (David Morrissey), a detective who is personally invested in the case due to the disappearance of his own daughter. The two men form an uneasy alliance as they try to solve the crime and bring the killer to justice.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the murders are part of a much larger conspiracy that involves not only the police but also the government, the media, and the Church. The film explores themes such as power, corruption, and the abuse of authority, and it offers a scathing critique of the Thatcher-era Britain, where greed and ambition corrupted every institution in society.

The movie features a strong cast, with Andrew Garfield delivering a gripping performance as the idealistic journalist who becomes increasingly disillusioned with the system, and David Morrissey portraying a haunted and damaged cop who is consumed by his need for revenge. John Henshaw also delivers an excellent performance as Barry Gannon, a low-level criminal who proves to be a key player in the conspiracy.

The movie is shot in a desaturated style, with a gritty and intense atmosphere that perfectly captures the bleakness of its subject matter. The soundtrack, which includes songs from the era, such as Joy Division and The Cure, is also an important element that helps to create the mood of the film.

Overall, 'Red Riding 1980' is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that offers a chilling portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse. It is not an easy watch, as it deals with some very disturbing subject matter, but it is a deeply rewarding experience for viewers who are willing to engage with its complex themes and characters. The movie is a testament to the power of cinema to explore the darkest corners of the human experience and to hold a mirror up to the society that produced it.

In conclusion, 'Red Riding 1980' is a must-watch for fans of British crime drama and anyone who is interested in exploring the darker side of human nature. It is a masterclass in storytelling and a reminder that sometimes the greatest crimes are not committed by the villains but by those who are supposed to be the heroes.

Red Riding 1980 is a 2009 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.