The TV film was originally released on the BBC and Billy Barratt, who plays Ray, became the youngest actor to win an International Emmy.
Katie Palmer Senior TV Reporter for Screen Time
14:23, 17 Nov 2025
The film is based on a true story(Image: BBC)
Netflix subscribers are being encouraged to watch a film that has already climbed to the top of the streaming service’s UK film chart.
The television film, originally broadcast on the BBC, features young actor Billy Barratt in the role of Ray, a performance which earned him the Best Actor award at the 48th International Emmy Awards.
Barratt made history as the youngest person to win an International Emmy. The film was also nominated for Best Single Drama at the 2020 BAFTA Awards.
The drama, Responsible Child, is based on the real-life 2014 case of Jerome Ellis and his brother Joshua, who were convicted of murdering their stepfather in a knife attack.
In the film, Ray and his 23 year old brother Nathan, played by James Tarpey, are arrested and Ray is put on trial in an adult court.
Billy Barratt who plays Ray(Image: BBC/NETFLIX)
The narrative of Responsible Child is split into two timelines, following both the events leading up to the murder and the subsequent trial.
In the actual case, Jerome was only 14 years old and his brother Joshua was 23 when they stabbed Neil Tulley to death while he was “asleep or nearly asleep” on the sofa, almost decapitating him.
Jerome was found guilty of manslaughter due to loss of control and sentenced to six years in prison.
Joshua, who suffered from depression, was found guilty of murder and given a minimum sentence of 14 years.
Both brothers claimed their stepfather was abusive and had previously threatened to kill Joshua.
Despite their ages, both brothers were tried as adults, as the minimum age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10.
Billy Barratt won an International Emmy(Image: BBC)
Viewers have taken to IMDb to share their thoughts on the film, with one user, philpotts-61235, describing it as “superb”.
They commented: “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.”
Another viewer, Aimeemcdonald-55532, found 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.”
User Sl-15821 praised it as “BBC Drama at its finest”, stating: “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 available on Netflix.
