Keith Allen plays William Palmer in this true story of a Victorian-era English surgeon who uses poison to settle scores and ward off debt. William lacks a sense of regret, even after killing his wife, brother and three of his own children.
Acting
Keith Allen's dead-eyed charm makes you almost root for the monster.
Production
Grimy Victorian authenticity that reeks of laudanum and bad choices.
Writing
Refuses to explain Palmer — just shows him, which is worse.
Director
Alan Dossor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real William Palmer's trial was so sensational that Parliament had to expand the courtroom. He was also suspected of killing four other people beyond his convicted two.
This TV film premiered the same year as 'The Last Days of Disco' — 1998 was apparently the year cinema decided charm could absolutely coexist with sociopathy.
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