I'm not usually one for true crime documentaries, I tend to find they take liberties for entertainment and are cliched and exploitative. However, this is such a jaw-dropping story and I am a social worker so have particular interest in this case that I thought it was worth trying. And it was exceptionally good. Mostly because it clearly has an attention to detail and respect for representing the facts that you don't normally trust as much in other works of this kind. For instance, the lines that were spoken during the court case were taken from transcripts from the real court cases. So, factually it is very impressive. But it is also very well made with excellent production and believable performances from the young actors. Naturally, I would have liked to have seen it go into more detail about the minutiae of the procedural failings, particularly in regards to Children's Service. As well as explore the deeper questions a little more. But I accept that this was made for the Joe public and not for professional social workers. It should be noted that doesn't say much about social services at all, it is mostly a look at the Police procedure and the judicial system.
