A Confession - DVD

Movie: When Superintendent Stephen Fulcher (Martin Freeman) is called in to investigate the case of missing 22-year-old Sian, he has no idea what far-reaching consequences this case will have. In fact, Fulcher and his team soon manage to spot a suspect: Taxi driver Christopher Halliwell (Joe Absolom). Hoping that Sian is still alive, the investigator pressures the suspect to confess - but Sian is already dead. However, Halliwell leads the police not only to the young woman's body, but also to the remains of Becky Edwards, who disappeared eight years ago. With that, two cases seem to have reached a sad conclusion, ending with a conviction of the killer. But unfortunately, that is not the case, as the fact that Fulcher interviewed the suspect without a lawyer could actually lead to the perpetrator getting away with it. While Fulcher becomes a scapegoat for Sian's family, Becky's mother (Imelda Staunton) wants to fight at all costs to see Halliwell atone for her daughter's murder and destroy Fulcher's reputation and career.

"A Confession" is based on the book by the real Stephen Fulchers, who in it processed his experiences during the multi-year trial of the case. Written by Jeff Pope ("Philomena"), the screenplay was shot on original locations in Wiltshire in southwest England. With Martin Freeman ("Sherlock"), Imelda Staunton ("Harry Potter"), Siobhan Finneran ("Downton Abbey") and Joe Absolom ("Doc Martin"), the mini-series has a very strong cast. Director Paul Andrew Williams, who directed much of the third season of the acclaimed crime series "Broadchurch" in addition to the moving drama "Song for Marion", starts it all off as a thriller that then turns more and more into a family and justice drama.

So then long dialogues and quiet character moments dominate the six episodes of the drama. Why the whole thing is never tough or even boring, however, is due to the fact that Williams succeeds very well in building a consistently gripping atmosphere that is equally oppressive and rousing. You eagerly root for justice to prevail against the prevailing law. At the same time, the series also provides exciting material for discussion: How far may or must the protection of perpetrators go? Was Fulcher's actions justified or a blatant violation of Hallliwell's rights? Is the anger of Becky's father in particular towards the police officer justified?

This mini-series, then, not only provides suspenseful entertainment, but also provokes thought about the interpretation of justice. At the same time, "A Confession" also shows how important it is in general for families to be able to say goodbye to the deceased - whether they died of natural causes or fell victim to a crime - so that they can also let go in their grief. For fans of more sedate crime dramas, this multi-part is clearly: absolutely worth watching!

Image + Sound: The image captures the atmosphere of the story very well with its undercooked color scheme and pleasantly high level of sharpness. In the darker sequences, a few weaknesses in detail are apparent, but otherwise the picture quality leaves an all-around positive overall impression. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix remains largely restrained, but allows the dialogue to ring out of the speakers quite powerfully. Good!

Extras: DVD 1 contains the first part of the interviews with cast and crew (approx. 22:48 min.), in which among others Martin Freeman and Imelda Staunton have their say. In addition, there is also a first short promo featurette (approx. 2:34 min.) to be seen here. DVD 2 offers more interviews (approx. 19 min.) and another featurette (approx. 4:47 min.).

Conclusion: "A Confession" is a thrilling crime drama based on true events. First-class cast and despite many quiet moments gripping and rousing staged, this mini-series can entertain well until the end. The DVD can convince in terms of picture and sound quality and offers as a bonus a few extensive interviews. Who appreciates dramas that deal with the question of whether the right always brings justice, will be well served here. Recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp