Watch See No Evil: The Moors Murders

See No Evil: The Moors Murders is a gripping and deeply disturbing true crime drama that examines one of the most notorious and chilling cases in British criminal history. Directed by Christopher Menaul, and written by Neil McKay, the film stars Joanne Froggatt, Maxine Peake, and Sean Harris.

The Moors Murders were a series of child abductions and murders committed in and around Manchester, England, between 1963 and 1965 by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. The couple lured young children and teenagers to their home, tortured and sexually assaulted them, and then buried them on the bleak moorland outside the city. The case shocked the nation and remains a harrowing reminder of the depths of human depravity.

See No Evil: The Moors Murders is a powerful exploration of this dark chapter in British history, told from the perspectives of the victims, their families, and the investigators who pursued Brady and Hindley. The film is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of the case.

The first part, entitled "Lost Girls," introduces us to Brady and Hindley and their first victims, Pauline Reade and John Kilbride. We see the couple grooming the young teenagers, promising them trips to the fair or to see a puppy in the back of their van. But once they have their prey, they reveal their true intentions, torturing and killing them on the moors. The scenes of violence are brief but vividly portrayed, with the actors giving gut-wrenching performances.

The second part, "The Witnesses," explores the impact of the murders on the victims' families and the people who lived in the nearby towns. We see how the parents of the missing children refused to give up hope, organizing search parties and pleading with the police to find their loved ones. Meanwhile, the people of Manchester began to feel a sense of dread as rumors circulated about a "sex maniac" on the loose. The film also shows the police investigation, with detectives interviewing witnesses and searching for clues that might lead them to the killers.

The final part, "The Investigation," focuses on the arrest and trial of Brady and Hindley. We see how the police finally caught a break when Hindley's brother-in-law approached them with evidence that she and Brady had murdered two more children, Keith Bennett and Lesley Ann Downey. The film then shows the trial, with the prosecution arguing that Brady and Hindley had plotted the murders together and that Hindley had willingly participated in the abuse and killing of the children. The defense countered that Hindley had been coerced by Brady and that she was a victim too. The trial was a sensation, with the public captivated by the lurid details of the crimes and the shocking revelations about the defendants' private lives.

Throughout See No Evil: The Moors Murders, the performances are outstanding. Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey) is particularly impressive as Maureen Smith, the sister of one of the victims, who becomes an outspoken campaigner for the families of the lost children. Maxine Peake (Silk) also shines as DC Maureen Smith, one of the police officers who worked tirelessly to solve the case. Sean Harris (Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation) gives a chilling performance as Ian Brady, capturing the cold, remorseless nature of the killer. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout turns from Matthew McNulty (Misfits) as David Smith, Hindley's brother-in-law, and Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan) as Lord Longford, the politician who famously campaigned for Brady's release.

Overall, See No Evil: The Moors Murders is a thought-provoking and emotionally draining film that will stick with you long after the credits roll. It's a sobering reminder of the cruelty and darkness that can lurk in the human heart, and a tribute to the resilience and courage of the victims' families. Whether you're a true crime buff or just looking for a powerful drama, this film is a must-see.

See No Evil: The Moors Murders is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between May 13, 2006 and on FilmRise