Netflix viewers are being urged to watch the drama, which was originally released on the BBC, and fans can’t stop talking about the real-life story that inspired it
Billy Barratt won an International Emmy(Image: BBC)
Netflix users are being encouraged to watch a film that has already climbed to the top spot on the streaming service’s UK film chart.
The film, originally broadcast on the BBC, features young actor Billy Barratt in the role of Ray, who bagged the Best Actor award at the 48th International Emmy Awards.
He became the youngest individual to win an International Emmy. The film was also nominated for Best Single Drama at the 2020 BAFTA Awards.
The drama, Responsible Child, is inspired by the 2014 case of Jerome Ellis and his brother Joshua, who killed their stepfather in a knife assault.
In the film, Ray and his 23 year old brother Nathan (James Tarpey) are arrested and Ray is put on trial in an adult court.
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Told across two timelines, Responsible Child traces both the events leading up to the murder and the unfolding drama of the trial.
In the actual murder case, Jerome was only 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 nearly resulted in him being beheaded.
Jerome was convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of loss of control and imprisoned for six years.
Joshua, who battled with depression, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 14 years in prison.
They both claimed 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.
The film is based on a true story(Image: BBC)
Audiences have taken to IMDb to express their views on the film, with user philpotts-61235 praising 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.”
User Aimeemcdonald-55532 described it as “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 labelled it as “BBC Drama at its finest”, further 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.
