A film of conspiracy, confusion, and catastrophe—The Limehouse Golem unexpectedly turned out to be a very interesting watch.
Set in 1880s London, a city thick with crime, dark alleys, and moral decay, the film paints a world where the nightlife is filled with unorthodox characters and shadows lurk behind every gaslit street corner. It’s a dramatic murder mystery, twisting and turning through unexpected yet strangely satisfying revelations.
Act 1: The Stage is Set
We are introduced to Lizzie Cree (Olivia Cooke), a woman whose past is filled with tragedy and survival. Her backstory unfolds in a series of disturbing flashbacks, where we learn she was raised in a boathouse family, making and mending sails. Her childhood is marked by trauma, as she suffers a horrifying act of abuse at the hands of a shipyard worker.
Her mother, a deeply unstable and religiously fanatical woman, reacts in a terrifying way—preparing to burn Lizzie with a searing-hot needle in an attempt to “purify” her. The scene, lit in eerie red and orange hues, is unsettling, giving us a glimpse into the twisted environment Lizzie grew up in.
Despite her traumatic past, Lizzie is a competent, strong-willed character. She dreams of escaping her circumstances, and when she sees a theater performance by Dan Leno (Douglas Booth), her passion for the stage is ignited.
Through determination and a bit of luck, she manages to make her way backstage and meet Leno himself. Instead of turning her away, Leno recognizes something in Lizzie and offers her a position in the company. This moment changes her life and officially sets the film’s plot in motion.
From here, the film moves like a mystery novel—leading you down one path, only to switch directions at the last moment. The suspense is moderate, and while the twists may not be mind-blowing, the setting and atmosphere make up for it.
Act 2: The Murder Mystery Unfolds
The Limehouse Murders have begun, and the city is in fear. The bodies pile up, and soon after, Lizzie’s husband, John Cree, is found dead—apparently poisoned. This triggers the involvement of Inspector John Kildare (Bill Nighy), an investigator sent from another district to solve the murders.
At first, it’s easy to assume that Kildare is the killer—a classic red herring. But the truth is more complicated.
Kildare begins his investigation by questioning a list of suspects, all linked to the crime in one way or another. He soon uncovers a journal—a direct confession from the killer, detailing each murder and their motivations. This becomes his biggest clue, and he wastes no time in matching handwriting samples from the suspects to the journal entries.
The interrogation scenes are intense, with Kildare imagining each suspect as the murderer, placing them in the gruesome scenes, and watching them reenact the crimes in his mind. Some of these moments are bizarre, but they effectively heighten the film’s theatrical feel.
Meanwhile, Kildare regularly visits Lizzie in prison, questioning her about her husband’s possible involvement in the killings. The film starts to shift from mystery to reveal, and while we want to know the truth, by the time we get there, we’ve already put the pieces together.
Final Thoughts
The real magic of The Limehouse Golem isn’t in the murder mystery itself—it’s in the atmosphere, the performances, and the setting. The film beautifully captures Victorian London, filled with gas lamps, darkened alleys, and a society teetering between progress and moral decay.
The musical performances within the theater add to the film’s theatrical nature, blending drama and suspense seamlessly. New faces mixed with seasoned actors make for a fresh and engaging cast.
Performance Highlights
- Bill Nighy as Inspector Kildare – A solid performance, though his reactions sometimes feel a bit stiff. Still, he brings seriousness to the role.
- Olivia Cooke as Lizzie Cree – Absolutely captivating. She pulls you in, keeps you hooked, and delivers a standout performance.
- Douglas Booth as Dan Leno – A fantastic middle-man, balancing the drama and reality of the theater world.
- Sam Reid as John Cree – Understated but effective, playing a character whose presence is mostly felt through the weight of his absence.
If you’re interested in twists and turns, eerie Victorian mysteries, and psychological tension, The Limehouse Golem is worth a watch. While it may not completely shock you, it will absolutely entertain you.
