The Sixth Commandment (2023) Review: A Haunting and Heartbreaking True Crime Drama
The Sixth Commandment is a gripping four-part miniseries that delves into the chilling true story of the murders of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin in a quiet Buckinghamshire village. Directed with precision and sensitivity, the series explores the devastating impact of manipulation, gaslighting, and the insidious nature of evil, making it an emotional and thought-provoking experience.
The Story
The plot of The Sixth Commandment is not your typical true crime story. Instead of relying on sensationalism, it focuses on the human side of the tragedy, honoring the victims and their painful journey. At the heart of the narrative is the manipulative student Ben Field, portrayed with unsettling conviction by Éanna Hardwicke. Field preys on the vulnerabilities of his elderly victims, Peter and Ann, two seemingly innocent souls caught in the web of his deceit.
The Cast
Timothy Spall and Anne Reid are nothing short of spectacular as Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin. Their performances are deeply moving and capture the heartache of two people who, though isolated and lonely, still seek connection and love. Spall, known for his mastery of subtlety, delivers a heart-wrenching portrayal of Peter, whose religious faith becomes a tool for manipulation in the hands of Field. Anne Reid, likewise, brings a quiet strength to Ann, whose trust is slowly broken by the toxic presence of Field in her life.
The Villain
Éanna Hardwicke’s portrayal of Ben Field is, simply put, unnerving. He plays the character with an icy precision that perfectly captures the manipulative and sociopathic nature of his actions. There’s an eerie calmness in his performance that makes Field all the more dangerous—his charm is a weapon, and it’s chilling to watch as he systematically dismantles the lives of Peter and Ann. Hardwicke’s ability to evoke both repulsion and fascination is one of the standout features of this miniseries.
Direction and Cinematography
The direction by the team behind The Sixth Commandment avoids the temptation to sensationalize the events. Instead, it remains rooted in the somber realities of what happened. The cinematography complements the narrative perfectly, with muted tones and slow, deliberate shots that mirror the victims’ sense of isolation and dread. The quiet nature of the small Buckinghamshire village serves as an effective contrast to the horror unfolding within it, emphasizing just how ordinary the surroundings were compared to the monstrous acts that occurred.
Conclusion
The Sixth Commandment is a haunting and well-acted drama that’s not for the faint of heart. Its slow-burn intensity and heartbreaking performances make it a tough but rewarding watch. The series respects the real-life victims, showing their humanity without exploiting their tragedy. While it’s not an easy watch, it’s an important one, as it sheds light on the quiet devastation that can be caused by manipulation and deceit. If you’re a fan of true crime dramas that avoid sensationalizing the story in favor of respectful storytelling, this one is a must-watch.