Netflix viewers are being urged to watch a film that has already made its way to the number one spot on the streamer’s UK film chart.
The TV film was originally released on the BBC and young actor Billy Barratt, who plays Ray, won the Award for Best Actor at the 48th International Emmy Awards.
He became the youngest person to win an International Emmy. The film was also up for Best Single Drama at the 2020 BAFTA Awards.
The drama, Responsible Child, is based on the 2014 case of Jerome Ellis and his brother Joshua, who murdered their stepfather in a knife attack.
In the film, Ray and his 23-year-old brother Nathan (James Tarpey) are arrested and Ray must stand trial in an adult court.
Told in two time frames, Responsible Child follows both the events that led up to the murder and the unfolding drama of the trial.
In the real murder case, Jerome was just 14 years old and his brother Joshua 23 when they stabbed Neil Tulley to death.
Mr Tulley was “asleep or nearly asleep” on the sofa during the attack, which almost left him beheaded.
Jerome was found guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of loss of control and jailed for six years.
Joshua, who struggled with depression, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 14 years behind bars.
They both said their stepfather was abusive and had previously threatened to kill Joshua.
Both brothers were tried as adults, as the minimum age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10.
Viewers took to IMDb to share their thoughts on the film, with philpotts-61235 hailing it “superb”.
They said: “This is not an easy watch but it is well worth the effort. I caught it by chance, on BBC iPlayer.
“Billy Barrett is already a terrific young actor, and rightly steals the limelight from the more experienced cast. A terrific BBC production.”
Aimeemcdonald-55532 called it “very moving”, adding: “I was left sobbing and in bits. Billy Barrett is a true actor with a bright future. A tragic story so brilliantly told.”
Sl-15821 called it “BBC Drama at its finest”, adding: “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.”
Responsible Child is on Netflix
