I Fought the Law review: Sheridan Smith justifies ubiquity in heart-rending true crime adaptation

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

A common joke on social media often associates Sheridan Smith with news stories that seem perfect for prime-time dramatization. This isn’t surprising considering her past roles in The C Word, The Moorside, Four Lives, Mrs Biggs, and Cilla, among others. However, it’s her recent performance in the intense true crime drama “I Fought the Law” that truly showcases why she has become a favorite choice for such roles.

A mother mourning her loss is rarely proposed on Twitter as a potential future role, but she approaches this challenge with great skill, as she often does. Indeed, among her many acclaimed performances, this one could be her most remarkable achievement to date.

In November 1989, Ann Ming, portrayed by Smith, finds her life irrevocably altered when her 22-year-old daughter Julie (Victoria Wyant) disappears in their hometown of Billingham. Disappointed with the lethargic approach of the police who seem to view the case as a straightforward runaway situation, Ann Ming assumes the role of the primary investigator, diligently pursuing every plausible lead throughout the ensuing 80 harrowing days.

In a wig that steadily turns gray as Ann goes through hardships, Smith skillfully portrays various emotions in a suspenseful first episode that leaves a chilling impression. The initial fear and confusion about something being wrong, knowing her daughter wouldn’t abandon her young son without warning; the slow acceptance that she might never return; and in a heart-wrenching finale, the overwhelming shock of finding her lifeless body. Her anguished cries will linger long after the end credits fade away.

It’s hardly surprising that Smith remains persuasive as the four-part series transforms into a pursuit for justice. “You need to explain your actions,” she scolds the police force, who mishandled the case so poorly they were eventually required to compensate for their mistakes. “It appears as though you’re simply idle,” she says, bluntly accusing them of inactivity. Ann is just as direct during Julie’s funeral, vowing to those gathered that “We will find the one who took her life” – the first of several emotional speeches that carry a powerful impact.

The movie “I Fought the Law” swiftly unveils the suspect without delay. It’s not a whodunit, but a deep dive into the intricate workings of British law and one woman’s relentless pursuit to reform it. A builder’s laborer named William Dunlop (portrayed by Jack James Ryan), who apparently had prior acquaintance with the victim, is swiftly apprehended and later indicted for murder.

It turns out that obtaining a conviction was far more challenging than anyone had anticipated. Despite a large amount of damning evidence connecting him to the crime – including DNA evidence one officer claims will “100%” prove his guilt – not just one, but two juries were unable to reach a consensus verdict, leading to a mistrial and, much to the Ming family’s dismay, an acquittal.

There are still two episodes left, implying this isn’t the final chapter. A confession from prison about assaulting his pregnant girlfriend has resurfaced, potentially reigniting debates about Dunlop and the centuries-old legal principle of double jeopardy. This rule, dating back over 800 years, prohibits anyone from being prosecuted for the same crime twice.

And it’s here that ‘I Fought the Law’ truly comes alive as Ann embarks on her mission to challenge the historic protection. She fiercely declares, ‘As long as I have breath in my body, I will not rest until I fight for my daughter.’ This determination is evident in her legal struggle, which featured a meeting with then-Home Secretary Jack Straw and a tense interview with solicitor Imran Khan on television.

With great boldness, she confronted the House of Lords without referring to any written notes. “I may not appear as refined as some of you,” she said, “but I am certain about what I wish to express,” was her response to an official who had suggested that addressing them without notes might not be advisable.

Using Ann’s personal memoir “For the Love of Julie” as a source of inspiration, author Jamie Crichton skillfully avoids making the narrative overly complicated with fine details. A delightful respite is offered as Ann embraces line dancing to distract herself from her hardships. Furthermore, a flashback set in the late ’70s adds some context to her life, showing a neighbor openly petitioning for Ann’s husband Charlie (played by Daniel York Loh) to leave, which subtly reveals racist undertones in their community.

The program truly shines when it highlights the extraordinary might of individual or collective determination, similar to ITV’s top show of 2024, Mr Bates vs. The Post Office. Ann may already possess an MBE, but her work in I Fought the Law could justifiably earn her the title of a national icon due to its powerful message. Moreover, Smith, who has acknowledged that portraying this role was the most challenging task she’s ever undertaken given her personal hardships, plays a crucial part in its emotional resonance.

Recently, the real Ann stated that nobody could have been more suitable for the role of embodying her exceptional character than the actress who was chosen. In truth, she is an outstanding performer.” With another stunning performance in a crucial production that demands attention, it’s challenging to find reasons to argue against this assessment.

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2025-08-31 10:34