Parents' Guide to The Long Shadow

Based on actual events, the harrowing true crime drama focuses on the victims and survivors of Peter Sutcliffe, who is often referred to as the "Yorkshire Ripper." It highlights how British law enforcement systematically failed to protect women or support those who survived their ordeals by narrowing the scope of their investigations to focus on writings and recordings that was incorrectly assumed to be from Sutcliffe, and which often steered the investigation in the wrong direction. The lack of communication between law enforcement officials within units and from different cities also kept police from pursuing key leads, and the overall misogynistic attitudes towards women (including, but not limited to sex workers) also reinforced victim blaming.

The Long Shadow acknowledges how the stories of the women hurt or killed during the five year spree were distorted by these failures, rendering them invisible. However, while the long-lasting destructive impact these events had on their families and friends is underscored throughout, it minimizes the use of language and imagery that details the way their loved ones were killed. Overall, it's a well-produced dramatization of real events that manages to be compelling without being too sensational.