Maxine

For those of us who remember the story of Holly and Jessica, this story remains harrowing and uncomfortable. The script and acting reflects the drama (albeit too much in some areas) but I find it difficult to see the portrayal of the "human" side of the main subjects, particularly Huntley.

While it might seem nitpicky, I was distracted from the story by the lack of research into the era in which the story is set. For example, shop logos not reflecting how they would have looked in 2002, but rather how they are now. Or even the aerial view of Grimsby showing the locally notorious grey blocked paving which wasn't installed until 2014. It comes across as lazy research and is honestly a great reminder of how you can get everything you want out of this show from reading up on Wikipedia.

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.

Maxine Carr and Ian Huntley, two names that conjure up many feelings, mainly loathing, repulsion and hatred.

This three part series tells the story of the pair, giving some background to their toxic relationship, and the failings in authority that allowed Huntley to land the job of a school caretaker.

I wasn't sure I was going to be able to watch it, I remember the case very well, such a tragedy, but it was very well and sensitively handled I thought.

Without a doubt this is one of the best dramas to come from Channel five, in terms of acting and direction, credit to the production team.

Terrific acting, amazing to see that this was a first TV role for Jemma Carlton, who perfectly portrayed Card, that scene of the TV interview was chillingly authentic. Scott Reid was terrific as Huntley also.

If you are sensitive, if advise a little caution, as it's of course a harrowing, and deeply upsetting story.

8/10.

Felt like I was watching a Shakespeare piece onstage. Very overdramatic acting, didn't feel natural for screen at all. Two main protagonists had no chemistry onscreen and felt totally miscast.

Didn't like the whole perspective of seeing things from Maxine's POV, the real victims in this story were Holly and Jessica. Their story felt pushed aside to tell Maxine's which feels completely insensitive.

Camera work and interview recreation was very good but a lot of details on this case were left out. We didn't need a series on Ian Huntley's fiancé, barely any attention to the crime committed. First episode felt so rushed, I don't think you'd enjoy this series if you weren't aware of the Holly and Jessica case to begin with.

Very difficult subject matter. It is hard to believe it is 20 years since this story dominated the news.

When the shock of the Huntley/Carr complicity finally came to light it was a shock to all those that had followed the story as the perpetrators were by now know to the public.

The thing about Huntley was he was believable and had an almost baby face of innocence.

This is where I feel the drama has got it wrong. The Huntley character is too hard looking with severe died black hair. In the drama he looked suspicious throughout which was not the case in real life.

However, the whole event has been dramatized well. Obviously the Huntley/Carr dialogue behind closed doors is a matter for conjecture, but they are word perfect in their public speaking.

Being Channel 5 I had expected it to miss the mark, but apart the casting of Huntley it was dramatized very well.

As contemporary dramas go we are force fed endless murder and serial killer stories, but the reality puts these into some sort of perspective.