Hulu’s true-crime drama, Boston Strangler, is not just a spine-chilling tale of a serial killer terrorizing Boston in the 1960s. It’s a captivating portrayal of the societal injustices that prevailed during that era, especially against women and the LGBTQ+ community. As viewers watch Loretta McLaughlin (played by the talented Keira Knightley) and Jean Cole (portrayed by the versatile Carrie Coon) delve into the murders, they get a glimpse of the social norms and attitudes of the time, which were not always kind to certain groups of people.
While the show does not shy away from the gruesome details of the murders, it also sheds light on the mistreatment and violence women faced in their daily lives. The film portrays how women were often disregarded and neglected by the authorities, including the Boston Police Department, and how the media exploited the killings for sensationalism. Moreover, Loretta’s marriage serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations women faced in their personal lives, especially in the workplace.
But the show does not stop there. Throughout the series, subtle moments reveal the plight of the LGBTQ+ community, which was not widely accepted at the time. These moments, though fleeting, are powerful enough to make viewers reflect on the discrimination and intolerance that people had to endure.
To make matters worse, these portrayals are not just figments of the writers’ imaginations; they are based on real-life events and the attitudes that were prevalent in society. In fact, the historical accuracy of the show adds to its appeal, making it a thought-provoking watch for anyone interested in the sociopolitical landscape of the 1960s.
Overall, Boston Strangler is more than just a true-crime drama; it’s a nuanced portrayal of the injustices and prejudices that marred an era. With its strong performances, compelling storyline, and insightful commentary, it’s a must-watch for anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking show.
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A Glimpse into the Trials and Triumphs of Women in Journalism
In Kevin Slane’s eye-opening article on Boston.com, he sheds light on the oppressive and discriminatory work environment that existed in the bullpen of the Boston Record-American for women. This reality is brought to life in the film Boston Strangler, where we witness Loretta’s frustrating attempts to cover the unfolding story of the notorious serial killer terrorizing the city. The newspaper’s editor, Jack MacLaine, dismisses her outright and relegates her to the “Lifestyles” desk, a decision that underscores the entrenched sexism and gender bias in the workplace. To make matters worse, when Loretta does manage to convince MacLaine to let her publish the story, she faces backlash and criticism from Police Commissioner Edmund McNamara, who denigrates her abilities as a “skirt” and casts aspersions on her journalistic integrity.
But it’s not just the institutionalized sexism that Loretta has to contend with; even her family members question her decision to pursue this story, with her sister-in-law suggesting that her children will suffer as a result. Even Loretta’s own husband, James, initially supportive of her work, begins to resent her when it interferes with his personal life. And throughout it all, the newspaper’s coverage of the story is tinged with a sense of exploitation, as they seek to sell more papers by including Loretta and Jean’s pictures with their publications. The overall picture that emerges is one of a gross negligence towards the safety and well-being of women journalists, as well as a lack of respect for their professional abilities and accomplishments.
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Dark Legacy of the Boston Strangler: How the LGBTQ+ Community Was Mistreated by Law Enforcement
The Boston Strangler case was a gruesome and terrifying time for residents of the city. While the movie of the same name primarily focuses on the efforts of two women to uncover the truth behind the murders, it also sheds light on the discriminatory practices and biases of the police and media during that era.
In particular, the film highlights how marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community were treated during the investigation. The police conducted raids on gay bars and labeled those who frequented them as sexual deviants. This disturbing fact, though briefly mentioned, was sanctioned by the Commissioner himself.
The movie also shows how the police and media’s indifference towards certain groups led to a lack of diligence in the investigation. When Loretta and Jean bring up the issue of discrimination to MacLaine, he brushes it off, highlighting the authorities and media’s apathy towards the LGBTQ+ population at that time in Boston’s history.
Therefore, the significance of the Boston Strangler movie goes beyond just a thrilling true-crime drama. It portrays the systemic biases and preconceived notions that led to the unsolved murders and how it affected the disenfranchised portions of Boston’s residents. This retelling of the events of the time offers an interesting and enlightening perspective on the struggles faced by marginalized groups in the 1960s.
