I just walked out of the theater and honestly, I need a minute. I'm sitting here with my coffee and my mind is still in that courtroom. It's not a horror movie, but it chilled me to the bone in a way no monster ever could. The sheer, quiet horror of it all—the betrayal of the most fundamental trust. I keep thinking about the parents they interviewed. Their faces, their voices... that's what's going to stick with me. It's a heavy watch, no doubt about it. I feel drained, but also strangely compelled to talk about it.
🎬 Watch the Official Trailer
What's The Investigation of Lucy Letby About?
The film is a documentary deep-dive into the case of Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse convicted of murdering babies in her care. It's not a sensationalized true-crime romp. Instead, it methodically pieces together the investigation, the hospital's internal politics, and the long fight for justice. It uses archival footage, police interviews, and present-day reflections to build its case, focusing more on the 'how' and 'why' of the investigation than just the crimes themselves.
What Works in The Investigation of Lucy Letby
- ✓ The restraint in presentation. It never feels exploitative of the victims' families, which I deeply respected.
- ✓ The pacing of the investigation reveal. They let you feel the same frustrating, piece-by-piece discovery the detectives did.
- ✓ The use of actual documentary audio from police tapes and meetings. Hearing those real, hesitant voices was incredibly powerful.
- ✓ The focus on the institutional failures. It made the story about more than one person, which was a crucial and smart angle.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ At 95 minutes, it felt a bit rushed in the final act. I wanted more depth on the trial itself.
- ✗ The re-enactments, while minimal, sometimes had a slightly generic TV-doc feel that pulled me out.
- ✗ It assumes you know the basic outline of the case. If you don't, you might feel a bit lost at the start.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's a moment where they play the audio of a senior doctor pleading with hospital management to take action, his voice cracking with desperation. I got goosebumps. It captured the sheer frustration of trying to be heard. Another scene that haunts me is just simple CCTV footage of Letby walking a hospital corridor—utterly ordinary, which makes it terrifying. The most emotional punch came from a mother describing the specific pattern on a baby's blanket. It was such a small, human detail that shattered me.
Main Cast: Lucy Letby
Direction, Music & Visuals
Director Dominic Sivyer deserves credit for a tight, unflashy approach. The cinematography is stark and clean, letting the weight of the information sink in. There's no manipulative music swelling at key moments—in fact, the score is almost absent, which amplifies the eerie, procedural silence. The editing is the real star here, weaving together timelines and testimonies with clarity. As for 'performances,' it's all real people, and that's its strength. Letby's own police interview footage is used sparingly but effectively; her calm demeanor is the most unsettling special effect of all.
Director: Dominic Sivyer
Genres: Documentary, Crime
Who Should Watch The Investigation of Lucy Letby?
If you're a fan of meticulous, journalistic true-crime documentaries like 'The Jinx' or 'Making a Murderer,' this is for you. It's perfect for viewers who want to understand the mechanics of a complex investigation rather than just be shocked by the crime. Also, anyone interested in stories about systemic failure and whistleblowing will find a lot to chew on here.
Who Might Want to Skip?
Obviously, if the subject matter is too distressing, steer clear. Also, if you prefer your documentaries to have a clear narrator guiding you every step or want a dramatic, cinematic re-telling, this more austere approach might feel dry.
Final Verdict
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with the caveat that it's a tough, sobering experience. It's a well-made, important piece of documentary filmmaking that handles its horrific subject with dignity. It left me angry and heartbroken, but also impressed by its restraint. I wouldn't watch it again anytime soon—once was enough emotionally—but I'm glad I saw it. It's the kind of film that sparks necessary conversations.
