Those who ask about the point of traditional TV and its chances in the increasingly fierce competition to create content on various mediums can be answered with references like ‘Appropriate Adult‘. The two-episode miniseries produced by ITV, which premiered in 2011, is an excellent example of the specific value that can be created by independent television studios. It is a psychological drama, a police investigation story, and a horror movie without any violent scenes, based on a real and highly publicized case in England in the 90s. The script is written by Neil McKay and directed by Julian Jarrold.
The story starts in Gloucester in 1994. Fred and Rosemary West became murder suspects somewhat by accident, following a complaint of domestic violence. The man was initially arrested and, as communication with investigators was difficult, the police requested the services of an ‘appropriate adult’ – one of those specific functions in the British legal and police system. This is a social worker position that may be requested by investigators or suspects when there are communication issues. Janet Leach was a psychologist and social worker, mother of two, whose partner suffered from bipolar psychological disorders. She had just graduated from the ‘appropriate adult’ training when she was called to help with the investigation which seemed quite mundane at first. At the first interrogation she assists, Fred West confesses to a murder. In particular, knowing that Janet cannot share confidential information, he confesses to Janet that there have been multiple murders along the years. The police continue to investigate, the number of bodies is increasing, and so are the number of confessed crimes. Meanwhile, a strange connection develops between the serial killer and the psychologist called to assist him in the interrogations. Can anything be sincere about this relationship, or is it just psychological manipulation on the part of a villain who seeks to hide his crimes, and when that is not possible, to protect his complicit wife? Janet’s life, already complicated by the psychological problems of her life partner, begins to be influenced due to contact with the world of crime and the pressure of journalists reporting on this case that has become famous.
Much of the story takes place in the police interrogation rooms during Fred West’s interrogations and then in the courtroom where Rosemary West is on trial. The very special quality of the series is given by the performances of the actors. Emily Watson, a leading actress of British cinema, is formidable in the role of the dedicated woman who wants to do her professional and civic duty and whose personal life is invaded by the dimensions of the case in which she is involved. Dominic West, who starred in ‘The Wire’, one of the best series in television history, is impressive as the criminal with a dark personality and charisma, who plays his fate in a complicated game with his investigators. Last but not least, Monica Dolan plays the role of Rosemary West, with a glacial sobriety, building an aura of horror around her person just from silences and looks. ‘Appropriate Adult‘ is a gem among many TV mini-series of this kind, a film that deserves to be seen if you have the chance.