White House Farm

(Based on) a true story, this 6-part retelling of a notorious multiple murder case features some terrific acting (Freddie Fox as the protagonist and possible sociopath) and Mark Addy as DS Stan Jones, one of the few to be convinced of the former's guilt rather than his sister who is widely blamed.

The mechanics of the story are brilliantly handled (especially given the well-known facts of the case) and a real sense of location and, indeed, foreboding is provided by some great 'atmosphere' shots of the landscape, farm implements and other objects that earth and populate this grim tale.

Dark territory, for sure, but really well handled and impossible to look away from. Highly recommended, but certainly not for the squeamish

Ignore some of the ridiculous, low-star reviews of this drama, they are written by Jeremy Bamber's "fans" and have nothing to do with the quality of the drama itself.

This is a powerful re-telling of the White House Farm murders in 1985, focusing mainly on the aftermath rather than the build up or the event. It is a slow-moving drama, but this is to its benefit in my opinion because it adds to the realism, and creates an atmosphere which is occasionally quite sinister.

Probably the opening episode is the weakest, but when Mark Addy appears as DS Stan Jones the story real takes off. Mark's naturalistic acting really hooks the viewer. Stephen Graham is a little wasted in a one-note part, playing the annoying DI Taff Jones who shouts and obstructs at crucial moments.

Apart from Mark Addy, other stand-outs are Alexa Davies who is consistently convincing as Jeremy Bamber's suffering girlfriend, Mark Stanley, who gives a powerfully sensitive performance as Jeremy's brother-in-law (just seeing him on screen is upsetting, and his final visit to Sheila's flat is heartbreaking) and, of course, Freddie Fox as the strange but charismatic Bamber. You can't keep your eyes of Fox, there is something magnetic about him here.

I have been perhaps generous with my rating as I find the case itself interesting, but I do think everyone involved has done a good job here. Despite the slow pace, 6 episodes is exactly right.

The ending is so sad, very hard to watch

Its slow but worth it. Great actors and well produced.

Like another reviewer, I suspect there's some criticism of this drama driven by personal views of the actual case and subsequent conviction. As a stand alone crime drama I think it's very watchable. The acting is really pretty good with the conflict between the Stephen Graham and Mark Addy characters being especially riveting. A mention for Gemma Whelan too...understated but believable. So, make up your own mind....episodes 1 and 2 kept me very engaged. Hope it maintains its standard.

Cannot, for the life of me, see why this would get any low ratings. Mark Addy and Stephen Graham are tremendous, the writing taut, the supporting acting way above par. Great storytelling, highly recommended.