Maxine is a British three-part television drama miniseries, based on the story of Maxine Carr's involvement in the 2002 Soham murders, where 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were killed by Carr's boyfriend Ian Huntley. It was first broadcast in the United Kingdom on Channel 5 in October 2022.[2]
| Maxine | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Crime drama |
| Written by | Simon Tyrrell |
| Directed by | Laura Way |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 3 |
| Production | |
| Producers |
|
| Production company | Clapperboard Studios[1] |
| Original release | |
| Network | Channel 5 |
| Release | 10 October – 12 October 2022 |
Cast edit
The series features Jemma Carlton, in her first television role, as Maxine Carr, and Scott Reid as Ian Huntley. Other cast members include Steve Edge and Kate O'Toole.[2]
Critical reception edit
The series was received poorly by critics, with a review by Lucy Mangan in The Guardian describing it as "a show about the Soham murders that is both pointless and dangerous",[3] while The Independent quoted a viewer as labelling it as being in "absurdly bad taste".[4] According to the Daily Mirror, "several Channel 5 viewers found it hard to stomach, particularly as they claimed that the drama seemed to be portraying Carr as a 'victim'".[5] Channel 5 defended the decision to produce the series, with director of programmes Ben Frow being quoted as saying "it's not about the murders, it's about a woman who came from a very challenging upbringing" and "I think we have been deeply respectful to the victims, whilst shining a light on some very challenging issues".[6]
References edit
- ^ "Maxine". Clapperboard Studios. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ a b Cremona, Patrick (29 June 2022). "Channel 5 announces cast for new Maxine Carr and Ian Huntley drama". Radio Times. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ Mangan, Lucy (10 October 2022). "Maxine review – a show about the Soham murders that is both pointless and dangerous". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ Harrison, Ellie (11 October 2022). "'Absurdly bad taste': Maxine viewers criticise Channel 5 show about Soham murders". The Independent. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ Cook, Rebecca (10 October 2022). "Channel 5 viewers 'switch off' as Soham murders drama 'makes Maxine Carr a victim'". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ Jeffrey, Morgan (25 August 2022). "Channel 5 boss says Maxine Carr drama is "deeply respectful to the victims"". Radio Times. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
