A Is for Acid
A Is for Acid

Movie spotlight

A Is for Acid

2002
Movie
99 min
English

Dramatisation of the true story of the notorious 'acid bath murderer' John Haigh, who murdered women and disposed of their bodies in vats of acid in the 1940s. He was only caught when the gallstones of one of his victims failed to dissolve in the acid and were detected by the pathologist who examined the residue from the acid bath.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Christopher MenaulGenres: Drama, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

The film dramatizes the true story of Lily Shepherd, a seemingly ordinary woman who, driven by a warped sense of justice and revenge, embarks on a chilling spree of poisoning. She meticulously plans and executes the murders of her husband and his mistress, and attempts to poison her own children, all while evading capture. The narrative explores her descent into madness and the disturbing rationale behind her heinous acts.

Critical Reception

A Is for Acid received generally positive reviews, with particular praise directed at Ruth Gemmell's intense and unsettling performance as Lily Shepherd. Critics noted the film's grim atmosphere and its unflinching portrayal of a disturbing true crime story. While some found the subject matter difficult, most acknowledged its compelling and disturbing nature.

What Reviewers Say

  • Ruth Gemmell delivers a chilling and captivating performance.

  • The film is a dark and unsettling portrayal of a disturbing true crime.

  • Praised for its tense atmosphere and gripping narrative.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and ratings for this specific film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of Lily Shepherd, who was convicted of murder in 1969 and became known as 'The Acid Killer' due to the method she used to dispose of her husband's body.

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