Until I Kill You review – Anna Maxwell Martin delivers the best performance of her career
I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating: the world, and especially our TV programming, would be incredibly lacking in content if there were no instances of men committing violence against women. It’s hard to imagine how different things would be and how unrecognizable that world would seem to us.
Until I Kill You is a drama that, more than any of the countless portrayals I’ve witnessed over the years, really captures the deep and lasting harm inflicted on individuals and the incredible resilience needed by survivors to move past their events. It highlights their journey to find tranquility and learn how to navigate their lives, which are forever altered as a result.
The four unyielding segments of this piece draw inspiration from the book "Living With a Serial Killer," which tells the harrowing story of Delia Balmer, who endured a series of physical and sexual assaults by her boyfriend, John Sweeney. One of these attacks nearly took her life. During the time he had Delia captive, he admits to killing one of his former girlfriends. Once the police catch him, he is found guilty of two murders and is believed to be linked to at least three more.
Anna Maxwell Martin portrays Delia, a strong-willed and independent woman, but she doesn't embody the typical softness often associated with free-spirited characters. Her personality is unique, and not many of her coworkers at the hospital, where she works as a temporary nurse, have warmed up to her. Delia comes across as socially awkward, blunt to a fault, and unwavering in her interactions with others.
Among these individuals is the man she encounters at a pub. Initially, he seems charming, and she starts to develop a relationship with him, characterized by her unique and unwavering approach. However, things take a dark turn as his violent behavior escalates. This sets the stage for a story filled with his brutality, inadequate police response, and her struggle to endure both mentally and physically, all while the lengthy quest for justice provides little support.
In several ways, it adheres to the typical path of a domestic violence story. However, Delia's intensity and uniqueness reveal a person who does not simply overlook warning signs but is instead left perplexed and angered by the irrationality of her partner's actions. ("You claim to be my boyfriend, but...") This perspective sheds light on the manipulative strategies of the abuser in a fresh way.
Sweeney is portrayed by Shaun Evans, showcasing a significant shift in style from his role as a young Morse in the refined Endeavour series. He delivers what could be a career-defining performance alongside Maxwell Martin, who gives a portrayal that starts off as endearing and relatable but gradually becomes more horrifying and monstrous. The character is a fellow free spirit, but his intentions are purely destructive.
At times, we shift away from the central storyline to focus on a slowly unfolding missing persons investigation in Amsterdam. A woman named Melissa has gone missing. Even though her father persistently urges the police to take action, it isn't until a body, which has been dismembered, is found in a canal that authorities finally start to piece together clues and use DNA evidence to work towards solving the case.
Until I Kill You skillfully captures Delia's intense toughness in a way that's both rare and commendable. As she faces more challenges, she becomes tougher, angrier, and harder for the few supportive officers and friends she has to connect with. This reaction is completely legitimate – and perhaps quite common in real life – yet it’s seldom shown in films and TV shows. Many in the industry seem afraid that they might turn audiences away and doubt that viewers can grasp anything more complex than straightforward reactions.
In this piece, the author Nick Stevens—known for his work on The Pembrokeshire Murders and In Plain Sight, and emerging as an expert in grim murder cases—along with director Julia Ford and especially Maxwell Martin, display remarkable courage. As you watch, you can't help but feel respected as an adult with real, possibly intricate, intelligence.
Until I Kill You offers a remarkable depiction of the struggles faced by survivors. However, it shies away from chasing sensationalism. The most harrowing moments are mentioned without dwelling on them. The work pays homage to Balmer's immense bravery, as well as to everyone who shares similar experiences. Additionally, it underscores the ordinary nature of evil, revealing the inherent wretchedness of these individuals and the demands they fulfill. This piece is a powerful exploration of a troubling and ongoing topic.
