Until I Kill You writer worried about how to keep viewers on Delia’s side

Until I Kill You writer worried about how to keep viewers on Delia’s side

As a movie enthusiast with a keen interest in true crime dramas, I must say that Until I Kill You is shaping up to be a compelling and poignant series. The narrative, based on the harrowing real-life story of Delia Balmer, promises to delve deep into the complexities of survival, resilience, and justice.


The new ITV drama, titled “Until I Kill You,” is inspired by a real-life event involving Delia Balmer, a woman who endured multiple brutal assaults at the hands of her former partner, John Sweeney.

The upcoming four-episode series chronicles Delia’s journey, with Anna Maxwell Martin portraying her character, starting from their encounter in a pub with Sweeney, and moving forward through the most challenging periods of her existence.

However, for “Until I Kill You” author Nick Stevens, it was crucial to portray the story accurately – not just to shed light on the heartrending real-life crime incident, but also to let readers truly comprehend the genuine character of Delia.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast delving into the scripts, I found myself frequently wrestling with the question of how to ensure the viewers remained sympathetic towards Delia, considering her unique character traits.

As I peered into the world of the first day’s footage, it became clear to me – under Anna Maxwell Martin’s guidance, skillfully directed by Julia Ford – our project was in capable hands.

Anna manages to remain faithful to Delia’s unique character, even in her challenging aspects, and simultaneously makes her captivating. Most importantly, she portrays Delia as relatable and evokes sympathy.

Until I Kill You writer worried about how to keep viewers on Delia’s side

He shared: “I initially encountered Delia in her literary agent’s office. She arrived thirty minutes late for our appointment. She seemed anxious and avoided eye contact. I tried my best to assure her that my motives were sincere and that I was essentially a trustworthy individual, but it seems my attempts at reassurance didn’t have much effect on her.

Over the span of a year, I had the privilege of conversing with Delia numerous times, and gradually, she began to confide in me. She was candid yet cautious, always keeping a watchful eye. If I ever slipped up on a detail or misjudged her stance, she would swiftly correct me and give me an earful. Indeed, Delia is a complex individual, much like many of us.

“What puzzles me about Delia is that her deepest grudge and strongest fury aren’t aimed at John Sweeney, but at the police and the judicial system. Her angriest rants are saved for them.

Delia is remarkably active for her age. She attends ballet classes twice weekly, takes lengthy, energetic strolls frequently, and embarks on travels whenever possible. Due to budget constraints, she usually stays at YMCAs or Airbnbs rather than 5-star hotels. In her own words, she considers herself a traveler rather than a tourist.

As a cinephile immersed in the world of cinematography, I found Delia’s tale to be a compelling choice for adaptation into a dramatic piece. The reason being, not every true crime story is narrated from a female point of view – and that makes all the difference.

The majority of law enforcement officers are males, unfortunately, leaving many female figures in similar narratives unable to share their perspective. Consequently, Delia’s gender played a role in her appeal, but it was primarily her unique character that captivated most.

As a movie connoisseur, I acknowledge that Delia is complex – a blend of idiosyncrasies born from her individual makeup and scars etched by the lingering effects of her past with John Sweeney, which she carries as PTSD.

As I became acquainted with Delia and talked to some of the law enforcement officials who managed her case, I started to understand the significant influence her personality had on her interactions with certain critical figures in the Criminal Justice System whose role was to safeguard her. Delia was not always a submissive or helpful victim.

In her, there was a recurring turmoil and rage that captivated me deeply. The intrigue lay in the paradox of such raw emotions coexisting with a longing for justice. Regrettably, it seemed as though the character of the victim had an impact on the quality of justice meted out in Delia’s case – a situation that should never occur.

Martin takes the lead role as Delia in this series, with Shaun Evans (Endeavour) portraying John Sweeney. The storyline revolves around Delia’s efforts to rebuild her life, but also her pursuit of justice for the wrongs committed against her and other victims by Sweeney.

The show “Until I Kill You” will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX starting this coming Sunday, 3rd November, all the way through Wednesday, 6th November. Each episode airs at 9:00 PM on ITV1.

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2024-11-03 23:34