This film stands out as a remarkable achievement, highlighting Peter Jackson’s abilities and the dedication of two young actresses who deliver truly impressive performances. I found myself enjoying this movie immensely. Like most viewers, I was unaware of the true crime that inspired the story—a disturbing account of how a friendship between two teenagers escalated into a sexual and romantic obsession culminating in the murder of one's mother, seemingly motivated by a desire to escape or remain together. Peter Jackson, who was far from imagining the level of success he would later attain with “The Lord of the Rings,” directs this film skillfully, effectively recreating both the events and the psychological complexities of the two main characters. While accounts suggest uncertainty surrounding the precise nature of their relationship, it’s evident that a powerful obsession existed between them, along with a detachment from reality manifested through the creation of an alternate fantasy world used as a refuge. The movie portrays this clearly, preserving a necessary sense of ambiguity where appropriate. This marked the first film roles for Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynksey. Neither appears to be entirely inexperienced or lacking in skill, which speaks volumes about their inherent talent—a quality that both have demonstrated throughout their careers, particularly Winslet, who has focused more intently on acting and achieved a greater degree of recognition. Supporting them are strong performances from Sarah Peirse, Clive Morrison, and Diana Kent as three paternal figures. From a technical standpoint, the film is well-made. The pacing feels just right; there are no sluggish moments or scenes that feel forced or unnecessary, and the editing is exceptionally good. The cinematography is outstanding, with striking use of color and light, especially during the fantasy sequences where we’re drawn into the imaginative world constructed by these young women. The sets are well-done, and along with the costumes, accurately recreate the depicted era. The filming locations are superb, carefully chosen and utilized to their full potential. The musical score is also quite good.

Source on TMDB