'A true crime thriller' - Keira Knightley investigates infamous murders in Boston Strangler, streaming on Hulu

"A true crime thriller," director Matt Ruskin proclaims of his latest film, "Boston Strangler," starring the ever-vivacious Keira Knightley. The movie, an intriguing retelling of the infamous Boston Strangler murders, is set to unravel the truth on Hulu starting March 17.

Keira Knightley Faces a Killer: Unraveling the 1960s Murders

"I grew to admire the work they did and the lives they led," Ruskin tells PEOPLE about the real-life reporters who inspired the film.

Keira Knightley is Loretta McLaughlin, a dauntless reporter for Boston Record-American who delves into the dark world of the 1960s Boston Strangler murders. Knightley's character, partnered with fellow reporter Jean Cole (Carrie Coon), faces not only the macabre nature of the crimes but also the "rampant sexism of the era."

The story is rich, the stakes are high, and Knightley, as usual, is captivating. The film's trailer, exclusive to PEOPLE, offers a tantalizing peek into the journey Loretta and Jean embark on - a journey filled with opposition, investigation, and determination.

Challenging the Norms: A Tale of Courage and Journalism

"At its core, this is a true crime thriller, but it's also a story about how these reporters were willing to challenge the norms of the era to do the work that was so important to them," Ruskin reveals.

Keira Knightley's portrayal of McLaughlin is more than a crime thriller; it's a testament to the tenacity of female journalists in an era marred by gender bias. The film is as much about the investigation as it is about empowerment and defying societal constraints.

Ruskin's decision to focus on the perspective of the female journalists provides a fresh angle on an old case. The film also alludes to the actual DNA evidence discovery in 2013 that linked the late Albert DeSalvo to the crimes, adding a sprinkle of real-life intrigue.

With a star-studded cast that includes Alessandro Nivola, David Dastmalchian, and Morgan Spector, "Boston Strangler" promises to be a gripping watch. The story resonates with those fascinated by true crime and empowers through its depiction of unyielding women challenging the norms.

As we countdown to the streaming date, the anticipation builds, and the mystery lingers. Keira Knightley's quest to uncover the truth behind the Boston Strangler will surely have audiences on the edge of their seats, proving once again that the truth is often stranger, and more thrilling, than fiction.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.