Murdered by My Boyfriend

My mom put this film on for me after escaping a horrific relationship. I think its a very interesting film, but could have been better. I think its a bit clumsy at times. The film could have explored more of the psychological abuse, coercive control etc, though it did touch on gaslighting somewhat. Great acting though, it cannot be faulted.

Murdered by my boyfriend is based on true facts. The title actually gives the game away.

It is a harrowing drama especially when things get ugly. The drama is about a relationship between Ashley, a 17 year old college student who meets a slightly older boy Reece at a party. Reece is nice, charming and they both get together. That is day one of the relationship.

We see the couple at various points in the time-line, when Ashley gets pregnant she realises that Reece is a control freak. Always wanting to know what she is up to, trying to control her. Eventually Reece also becomes violent, lashing out on Ashley. Her friends discover bruises and she is reluctant to leave. The police are called but at first Ashley is reluctant to say anything.

When Ashley discovers that Reece might be cheating on her, he manages to manipulate things and spin it around leaving Ashley confused. Even when violent he seems to have power over her to keep her with him.

Eventually Ashley does throw him out but Reece gets more manic and still harasses her to no ends.

The final scenes are harrowing and Reece was sent to jail for 15 years which was increased later to 20 years.

The drama is well acted by Georgina Campbell and Royce Pierreson. The story was based on interviews with friends and family of the real life victim. It shows how women can be trapped in a spiralling circle where thy are reluctant to leave their partners because they are so emotionally traumatised and unable to make any of their own decisions because they have been so manipulated. Even if they leave they are still stalked and harassed.

I have never been physically abused, but I try and understand why most don't/won't/leave. I think this unfortunate true story was well done. As usual, in my opinion, nothing is done by the police until after the abused is killed. This has been what I've seen in my 50+ years of life. I am extremely sad, and angry, that such a beautiful, loving, vivacious woman had her life cut short. My prayers are with her daughter and family. I keep praying one day this cycle can be stopped.

This movie tries to demonstrate the horrors of domestic violence in a subdued manner. There is nothing to graphic being shown but you get the gist of what is happening. Not a bad movie. It's just sad that a woman of promise, with dreams, a child and friends was taken from this world by a man who is an insecure bully. Love shouldn't hurt. Love shouldn't make you feel less than who you truly are. Love should be an embrace, a shelter and a calm you can turn to when life gets rough. Don't settle for less than being treated with respect, dignity and honor.

An incredible film by an exceptionally talented cast and crew. Painful to watch at times, made with so much tenderness