Maxine

This 3-part drama told the shocking story of the 2002 Soham murders of two young ten-year-old girls from the viewpoint of the evil murderer Ian Huntley's girlfriend Maxine Carr. She it was who, even though she knew and taught the two girls in her job as a classroom assistant, initially gave him the alibi which kept him away from police scrutiny until the growing suspicion against him grew too strong, resulting in them both being convicted at trial, he for the murders and she for covering up for him.

The $64000 question here of course is did she suspect or worse, know all along that he was the perpetrator? Huntley has since claimed that she did and certainly the zeal with which she cleaned the house where he committed his vile misdeeds and covered up for him in other ways certainly casts doubts on her own story that she loved him almost blindly and so completely believed that he was incapable of the killings. She seemed not to know all the details of his criminal past which as we later learn involved a pattern of sexual attacks on very young girls, instead preferring to believe his claims of police victimisation even in the face of his own jealous, possessive behaviour to her, to the point where we see him strike her on the face during one of their many heated arguments.

Eventually, when they're separately incarcerated awaiting trial, the scales fall from her eyes and she turns on him, her testimony no doubt helping to convict him although she was rightly convicted of obstructing justice and herself sentenced to jail for three years, going on to serving half her sentence. On release, the powers-that-be provided her with a change of identity and she is now reportedly living a new life in anonymity somewhere, it's said, with a husband and child.

Personally speaking I was somewhat uneasy with both the title of this programme and its slant on the story as detracting from the heinous crimes committed and her crucial part in withholding valuable evidence which would undoubtedly have led to a quicker resolution and in so doing reduced the families' torment. At least the programme shows discretion over the actual murders, with no attempt at their recreation, a silent camera going up the stairs to the bathroom where Huntley likely killed Holly and Jessica, leaving it to the viewer's imagination as to what happened next. Neither of the two children or their families are shown as being portrayed at any stage, which again could be construed as being disrespectful to their memories by highlightibg instead a wholly undeserving person's part in concealing one of the most notorious crimes in recent British history.

As ever with productions like this the drama requires the creation and insertion of fictitious characters and scenes to "bolster" the narrative as we witness the different approaches of two competing journalists on the case, one a local reporter shown as the rather obvious caring, sympathetic father of a young daughter the same age as Holly and Jessica whose sympathetic, matter-of-fact approach is contrasted with that of a national tabloid female reporter out to sensationalise the story.

The lead performances by the actors playing Carr and Huntley are well-drawn with both bearing strong physical resemblances to their real-life counterparts while the direction itself was skilful and relatively subtle in faithfully following the timeline of events as they occurred.

Whether it was the correct aspect from which to tell this horrifying story, I remain to be convinced as I can't help but wonder how firstly the parents and other relatives of the dead children and also the real Carr in her new life would react to what they saw here. I personally suspect the former with dissatisfaction and the latter perhaps with unmerited vindication ...

This is a well acted pacey drama based on one of the uk's most shocking crimes.

Since channel 5 cancelled neighbours theres a lot left in there budget to make dramas just like they promised.

Some people were offended because it's too soon to be made but these days there a crime drama based on a real life incident every week and some of these incidents happened within the last 20 years.

The actress playing Maxine was the best thing about it and she should go onto bigger and better things.

There was some scenes where the actors were stumbling over there lines so I was perplexed why the director left these in the final cut as it looked amateurish.

I thought this was fantastic. Late to view via Netflix didn't realise had been out a while on terrestrial television. The actor's playing Huntley and Carr wre fantastic. Don't agree at all it was disrespectful,they are numerous true crime documentaries on this with talking heads,etc. DIdn't feel sorry for anyone other than the victim's and family. It wasn't in my opinion filmed towards portraying Maxine as a victim. We all have our own opinions on this. But as a drama reconstruction it was really good. I haven't watched anything with the lead character's in before but will now look out for them in the future.

"Maxine" is a compelling true-crime drama series that delves into the infamous Soham murders from a unique and somewhat controversial perspective. The series, named after Maxine Carr, aims to shed light on her involvement in the case and the broader ramifications of her actions and relationship with Ian Huntley, the man convicted of the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002. The show is anchored by strong performances and a thoughtful script, which collectively provide a riveting, albeit unsettling, viewing experience.

From the outset, "Maxine" sets a dark and ominous tone, reflecting the gravity of the real-life events it portrays. The series doesn't shy away from the horrific nature of the crimes, but it also strives to explore the psychological and social dimensions of the characters involved. Maxine Carr, portrayed with nuanced complexity by the lead actress, is depicted as a multifaceted individual whose actions and motivations are examined in detail. The show navigates the fine line between understanding her perspective and condemning her actions, inviting viewers to grapple with the moral ambiguities of her involvement.

The narrative structure of "Maxine" is both its strength and its occasional weakness. By focusing on Carr's viewpoint, the series provides a fresh take on a well-documented case, emphasizing the personal and relational dynamics that contributed to the unfolding tragedy. This approach allows for a deep dive into Carr's psyche, her relationship with Huntley, and the societal pressures she faced. The show adeptly portrays her as a person caught in a web of manipulation, coercion, and self-delusion, raising questions about culpability and victimhood.

However, the series' decision to center on Carr also means that it occasionally feels slow-paced, especially for viewers expecting a more traditional crime thriller. The emphasis on character development and psychological exploration sometimes comes at the expense of narrative momentum. Yet, this deliberate pacing allows for a more profound engagement with the themes of the series, including the impact of media sensationalism, the complexities of abusive relationships, and the consequences of societal judgment.

One of the standout aspects of "Maxine" is its atmospheric cinematography and production design. The visual elements of the series effectively evoke the small-town setting of Soham, capturing both its quaintness and the underlying sense of foreboding that permeates the narrative. The use of lighting and color palettes enhances the mood, reinforcing the emotional and psychological states of the characters. The attention to detail in recreating the early 2000s setting further immerses viewers in the time and place of the events.

The performances in "Maxine" are uniformly strong, with the lead actress delivering a particularly noteworthy portrayal of Maxine Carr. Her ability to convey vulnerability, confusion, and determination makes for a compelling character study. The supporting cast also shines, providing robust portrayals of key figures in the case, including Ian Huntley and the investigators. Their interactions and conflicts add depth to the story, highlighting the various facets of the investigation and the personal toll it takes on those involved.

The series also benefits from a well-crafted script that balances factual accuracy with dramatic storytelling. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the tension and emotional stakes of the situation. The showrunners have clearly undertaken extensive research, ensuring that the depiction of events is grounded in reality while allowing for the dramatization necessary for effective television.

In conclusion, "Maxine" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged series that offers a fresh perspective on a tragic real-life case. While its focus on psychological and relational aspects may not appeal to all viewers, those interested in true-crime dramas that explore the deeper implications of criminal acts will find it a rewarding watch. The series' strong performances, atmospheric production, and nuanced storytelling make it a standout addition to the genre, prompting viewers to reflect on the complexities of guilt, innocence, and the human condition.

Should a drama series be made about such a terrible crime? This will undoubtedly be a divisive piece of television and many will argue it's inappropriate. On the other hand there are exploitative true crime documentaries on TV every night which attract an audience.

To be fair to the makers they chose to frame the story through the eyes of Maxine Carr rather than her abhorrent partner.

As a drama it was well made and directed, the script was good and the two central performances were excellent. Its hard to believe this was Jemma Carlton's first major role playing Maxine, she surely has a great career in front of her. It was better than I expected all round.

Personally I didn't find it disrespectful the way it was told, but I can easily understand why others would disagree or avoid watching.