THE LIE: THE MURDER OF GRACE MILLANE – Review by T.J. Callahan
The Lie: The Murder of Grace Millane : You Can Stop the Violence Against Women
21 year old British backpacker Grace Millane was murdered while traveling alone in Auckland, New Zealand in December of 2018. The only suspect in the case, her date Jesse Shane Kempson, used the “rough sex” defense when arrested. This documentary, from director Helena Coan, not only chillingly recounts the details leading to the death of the young and vibrant Grace, but also is meant to hold a mirror up to a society with a problem of violence towards women.
True-crime aficionados who have curiosities about the motivations of criminals and those concerned about the justice system may remember the story and the 2019 trial. All viewers will be amazed by the coolness of the man police were calling the Tinder Killer. “ He came in a 3 piece suit, waistcoat. He looked immaculate. He spoke very well, confidently, but most of the stuff that came out of his mouth were lies.”
Coan makes sure the truth is exposed in The Lie with newly released closed circuit television footage that captures all the events before and after Millane’s death. There’s footage of Kempson being expertly questioned by Auckland police. We watch his actions and time-line change, but never his demeanor or his sense of innocence. Coan’s goal is that her film sparks conversations and challenges preconceived notions about date rape.
Grace Millane’s parents worked in tandem with police going through every second of tape to uncover the truth and find justice for their only daughter. They have even established a fund in her memory called the Love Grace Campaign. Its mission is to empower victims of domestic abuse. The organization, found at lovegrace.co.uk, collects handbags from donors and fills them with useful items for women in need.
“I am on a date with a guy who is a manager at an oil company. I click with him so well. I’ll let you know what happens tomorrow.” Tomorrow never came. The Lie: The Murder of Grace Millane streams beginning March 29th.
