A powerful drama originally produced for the BBC has captivated audiences anew, surging to claim the number one position on the Netflix UK film chart. The film, titled Responsible Child, is compelling viewers with its harrowing portrayal of a real-life case that shocked the nation.
The Story Behind The Film
Responsible Child is inspired by the tragic and真实的事件 of 2014, where two brothers, 14-year-old Jerome Ellis and his 23-year-old brother Joshua, stabbed their stepfather, Neil Tulley, to death. The attack was so severe that it nearly decapitated Mr. Tulley, who was reportedly asleep on the sofa at the time.
The film is structured across two timelines, masterfully weaving together the events that led to the fatal stabbing and the subsequent legal drama of the trial. In the dramatisation, young actor Billy Barratt delivers a breathtaking performance as Ray, the character based on Jerome. His older brother Nathan is portrayed by James Tarpey.
A critical and deeply unsettling aspect of the real case, which the film highlights, is that both brothers were tried in an adult court. This was possible because the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is just 10 years old.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
The film's quality has been recognised at the highest levels. Billy Barratt made history by winning the Best Actor award at the 48th International Emmy Awards, becoming the youngest person ever to receive this honour. Furthermore, the production itself was nominated for Best Single Drama at the 2020 BAFTA Awards, cementing its status as a critically acclaimed piece of television.
Since its arrival on Netflix, the film has generated a significant buzz, with viewers flocking to platforms like IMDb to share their powerful reactions. One user, philpotts-61235, described it as "superb", noting that while it is "not an easy watch", it is "well worth the effort." They particularly praised Barratt, saying he "rightly steals the limelight from the more experienced cast."
Another viewer, Aimeemcdonald-55532, called the film "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." A third review from Sl-15821 hailed it as "BBC Drama at its finest," warning that the story is "likely to shock some viewers" and will "stay in your thoughts long after the credits have rolled."
The Real-Life Legal Outcome
The real-world consequences for the brothers were severe and complex. During the trial, both brothers claimed their stepfather had been abusive and had previously threatened to kill Joshua. Jerome Ellis was ultimately convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of loss of control and was sentenced to six years in prison. Joshua Ellis, who struggled with depression, was found guilty of murder and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years.
Responsible Child is available for streaming now on Netflix, offering a poignant and thought-provoking look at a devastating true crime story and the challenging questions it raises about justice and childhood.
