Netflix quietly adds ‘superb’ film inspired by real-life murder case

A ‘moving’ British film that was inspired by a real-life murder case has soared up the Netflix charts.

This week, the TV film Responsible Child – which first aired on the BBC in 2019 – was added to the streaming service.

The synopsis explains: ‘Inspired by real events, a 12-year-old boy faces a severe prison sentence as he stands trial for the murder of his mother’s abusive boyfriend.’

Running for just under 90 minutes, the film was directed by Nick Holt and written by Skins’ Sean Buckley.

It starred Billy Barratt as Ray, the young boy who faces the legal system head-on. The young actor’s starring role also earned him critical acclaim, going on to win best actor at the 48th International Emmy Awards, becoming the youngest person to win an International Emmy.

He then went on to star in the horror film Bring Her Back, as well as the science fiction series Invasion.

The film itself also won best TV movie or mini-series, as well as the best single drama at the Baftas.

At the time of its release, Responsible Child was applauded by critics and viewers.

‘I was left sobbing and in bits. Billy Barratt is a true actor with a bright future. A tragic story so brilliantly told,’ user Aimee posted on IMDB.

‘This is not an easy watch, but it is well worth the effort. Billy Barrett is already a terrific young actor and rightly steals the limelight from the more experienced cast. A terrific BBC production,’ Phil posted.

‘A thought provoking, moving, deep and heartbreaking show from the BBC. Really nicely done. Sad state of reality about the criminal justice system in this country,’ Matt shared.

‘Based on true events, the story shown here is likely to shock some viewers. Excellent performances from all involved, especially the incredible portrayal of Ray, by Billy Barratt. This story will stay in your thoughts long after the credits have rolled,’ sl-15821 added.

Meanwhile, Metro’s review read: ‘A story like this is meant to spark debate, and it grips you tight, and leaves you struggling for breath in pure frustration and anger and pity for everyone involved.

‘An intricate look at trauma and how people react when those they love are in danger, the whole story unravels to its horrifying climax…this one-off special really is a heartbreaker that deserves all the recognition it’s in line to get.’

Responsible Child also starred Strike’s Tom Burke, Killing Eve’s Owen McDonnell, and Game of Thrones’ Michelle Fairley.

When the movie first hit screens, BBC drama controller Piers Wenger shared that it ‘raises one of the most complex and challenging questions of our time’.

‘Nick and Sean’s extraordinary film explores the age of criminal responsibility in England and takes us to the heart of the legal question: in the most severe of cases, “should a child be tried as an adult or child?”. We are hugely indebted to them for the sensitive, nuanced and empathetic approach to telling this harrowing true story.’

The one-off drama shone a light on the UK legal system, which permits children as young as 10 to be tried as an adult for murder.

Speaking exclusively to Metro in 2019, Owen explained the movie was ‘based on a specific incident from about six years ago’.

‘Obviously, they didn’t want to make it a direct copy, or manipulate it to tell a narrative, but the story was pretty much as they were. The true story, if anything, was even more heart breaking in some ways.’

While it chose not to confirm the names involved in the real-life case, Responsible Child did bear a striking similarity to the case of Jerome and Joshua Ellis, who killed their stepfather at their home in Surrey in 2013.

Jerome, 14, and Joshua, 23, were found guilty of stabbing Neil Tulley 65 times, with their defence stating Tulley was abusive and had previously threatened to kill Joshua.

In his interview with Metro, Owen added that he liked that the film was ‘really grey and didn’t pick a side’. ‘It just shows you behind these headlines are much more complex stories to be told’.

‘It’s people we’re dealing with, and their lives, and no 10-year-old does something like that out of malice. The motivation behind that is a complex thing,’ he continued.

‘Something in their circumstances caused them to do these things, and trying to unpick what causes them to do these things is that.’

Responsible Child is now streaming on Netflix.

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