True-crime aficionados will likely be drawn to this German documentary that revisits the case of Elizabeth Haysom and Jens Soering, University of Virginia students who were accused of the 1985 grisly murders of Haysom’s parents. In this bizarre story of two lovers (who are also suspects) in flight, youthful passions, and a staggering twist suggesting a pre-planned betrayal, filmmakers Karin Steinberger and Marcus Vetter serve up a thicket of he-said-she-said-they-said contradictory details (actors Daniel Brühl and Imogen Poots provide voiceover for the couple). At issue is whether Soering, a German citizen who is now middle-aged, gave a false confession to police (which he later recanted) in order to shield Haysom, and if a calculating Haysom used him to cover for her actual accomplices in the killings. The sensational aspects of this case are compelling enough, but what really makes the film fascinating are the strange, once-youthful personalities of Soering, who comes across as adroit under courtroom pressure, and Haysom, who seems like a monster behind a Blanche DuBois impersonation. Drawing upon extensive trial videos, multiple interviews with eyewitnesses and investigators, and a recent jailhouse interview with Soering, Killing for Love makes a strong case for a man’s innocence. Extras include additional interviews. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
Killing for Love
(2016) 124 min. DVD: $24.98. MPI Home Video (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 4
Killing for Love
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