simon-118 Review of Killer Net

Killer Net (1998)

Remarkable and criminally neglected drama of mind-games andcomputer truths.

[26 August 1999]

This is to me a masterpiece. It is brilliant plotted, as one would expect from this writer, yet shares little with her other work, particularly in the way the police are very much a background presence helpless in the invasion of newer more sophisticated menaces such as the internet, which even their own computer experts cannot keep up with. The acting is particularly noteworthy, from the naive but so believeable Tam Williams to his maternal flatmate Emily Woolf, but best of all is the amazing Paul Bettany as rugby playing, arrogant Joe, who delivers a scene in part four so well you cannot help but gasp as you watch. Another star of this is the music, which is superb, doomy yet very catchy. Of special mention is the inspired use of the Linoleum track "Twisted" at two key points in the story, the fusion of music and drama making them the two strongest moments in the series, they work so well. The series was poorly publicised in Britain and many perhaps just expected an ill informed cautionary tale about the internet; even worse was the video release which gave the entire plot away on the inside sleeve notes! The direction by Geoffrey Sax is what really lifts this drama into the level of masterpiece though. The performances he wrings from the cast is amazing, but the depiction of the game and the pacing (amazing for scenes of just Scott sitting playing a computer game) are breathtaking. The point of view shots of Scott drunk in part two are remarkable, and the whole production glistens with a flashy, gimmicky finesse and sophistication which matches the game itself. A true classic comparable with a Nigel Kneale or Dennis Potter drama. One interesting point to ponder however...the internet is so criticised because it is new, whereas books and plays are "respectable". Does the television not offer as much virtual reality violence in this production as the internet? And in that sense the internet is censor-friendly, since you have to request to view explicit materiall. If it was somehow restricted when young children are viewing it, it would surely be less criticised, because a game like Killer Net, believeable addictive and thrilling, is just as bloodthirsty as watching this!