Editor's Note: The following article contains descriptions of violence and sexual assault that some readers may find disturbing.As morbid as it may be, serial killers have become quite a popular subject for film and television adaptations. Netflix in particular showed how many audiences are fascinated by these stories with Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022), the latest series to tell the horrific story of infamous murderer Jeffrey Dahmer. There are plenty of other examples of true-crime stories based on serial killers to choose from, but come this March, Hulu will be the latest platform to tell the story of the dreaded "Boston Strangler."
Boston Strangler (2023) isn't the first adaptation of the story about the infamous "Silk Stocking Murders" and the man who committed them. That honor goes to the Tony Curtis and Henry Fonda starring drama The Boston Strangler (1968), released only a few years after the Strangler was convicted, and the case was closed. The 1968 film primarily focuses on the detectives who tracked down the Strangler as well as the Strangler himself, but what makes the upcoming adaptation unique is that it will focus on the two journalists who brought the killer's story to the spotlight. "Record American" reporters Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole were the journalists who wrote a four-part series on the Boston Strangler that connected the dots of the prolific murderer and gave the killer his title, and now their story will be told later this year.
To find out all the details you could possibly want for Boston Strangler, read below to find out everything we know so far about the upcoming true-crime thriller.
Editor's Note: This piece was updated on February 21, to include the trailer.
Watch the Trailer for Boston Strangler
The main trailer for Boston Strangler wastes no time introducing the main protagonist of journalist Loretta McLaughlin, played by Keira Knightley. McLaughlin began her journalism career as a lifestyle reporter until a string of murders leads her to draw the conclusion that there is a serial killer on the loose. She tries to point this out to her superior (Chris Cooper) but is immediately shot down given that she is not in the department that covers homicides. However, as more and more similar murders begin to pop up, it becomes abundantly clear that Loretta was onto something and there is indeed a mysterious murderer that is roaming the streets of Boston. This leads Loretta to recruit her co-worker Jean Cole (Carrie Coon) as her partner in solving these heinous crimes. Through sheer tenacity and utter bravery, the two women defy gender norms and workplace discrimination to discover the identity of the man committing these violent and unspeakable acts against various women in Boston. However, though their intentions are certainly admirable, they also run the very real risks of not only putting their careers as journalists in jeopardy but also facing even deadlier consequences for both themselves and their families should the notorious Boston Strangler catch wind of the source of his new-found notoriety.
Is Boston Strangler Releasing on Streaming or in Theaters?
Boston Strangler is being released as a Hulu exclusive, making a subscription to the Disney-owned streaming service a requirement for audiences who wish to see how the true story will play out. For audiences outside the US where Hulu isn't available such as the UK, Boston Strangler will be released on Disney+. No word yet on if Boston Strangler will receive a limited or wide theatrical release, which would be required should Hulu wish for the project to be eligible for Academy Award consideration.
What is the Release Date for Boston Strangler?
Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon will bring to life the women who helped exposed the disreputable serial murderer when Boston Strangler premieres on this upcoming Saint Patrick's Day on Friday, March 17th, 2023.
What Is the Plot of Boston Strangler?
The official plot synopsis for Boston Strangler reads as follows:
Based on the infamous Boston Strangler murders, this is the true story of Loretta McLaughlin, the first reporter to connect the murders and break the story of the Strangler. She and fellow reporter Jean Cole challenged the sexism of the early 1960s to report on the city's most notorious serial killer and worked tirelessly to keep women informed.
It's no secret that the targets and victims of the Boston Strangler were all women. The Strangler not only murdered these individuals but also manipulated them into allowing them in their homes and sexually violating most of them before silencing them with his signature method of strangulation via stockings. As the synopsis implies, both McLaughlin and Cole faced sexism in the workplace on a daily basis as women working in a male-dominated field during the 1960s. When they uncovered a thread that linked these various murders of women to a potential serial killer, they understandably felt that it was their duty to use their platform as journalists and spread awareness of this manipulative maniac. Their series on the Boston Strangler served as a prominent warning to the women of Boston and more than likely saved the lives of several people.
Who Is Making Boston Strangler?
Helming Boston Strangler as writer and director is Matt Ruskin, who has experience with adapting true stories after writing and directing the Sundance Award-winning Crown Heights (2017). Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott is also on board the project as a producer.
The rest of the crew is filled out by Paul Leonard-Logan (Limitless) as composer, Ben Kutchins (The White Lotus) as cinematographer, Anne McCabe (Succession) as editor, John P. Goldsmith (Perry Mason) as production designer, and Arjun Bhasin (Life of Pi) as costume designer.
Who Is Starring in Boston Strangler?
Keira Knightley, best known for her breakout role in The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as well as other massive hits like Pride & Prejudice (2005) and The Imitation Game (2014), will be portraying the life of esteemed reporter Loretta McLaughlin. Co-starring alongside Knightley is the Emmy-nominated star of The Leftovers (2014-2017) and The Gilded Age (2022-), Carrie Coon, who will be playing McLaughlin's partner in exposing crime, Jean Cole. The identity of who will be playing Albert DeSalvo, the man convicted of committing the Silk Stocking Murders, has not been officially confirmed, but rumors point that supporting cast member David Dastmalchian (The Suicide Squad) will be portraying the serial killer.
In addition to Knightley, Coon, and Dastmalchian, Boston Strangler is also boasting a massively impressive supporting cast of characters who will help bring this story to life. These names include Alessandro Nivola (The Many Saints of Newark), Chris Cooper (American Beauty), Rory Cochrane (Black Mass), Morgan Spector (Boardwalk Empire), Robert John Burke (BlacKkKlansman), Kris Sidberry (Detroit), Ivan Martin (Gaslit), Mellanie Hubert (As They Made Us), and Jon Lindstrom (True Detective).