Sophie: A Murder in West Cork

Who killed the beautiful Sophie Toscan du Plantier, a hugely talented Frenchwoman, who sadly died in Cork in 1996.

Netflix do this kind of documentary series very well, this is another strong example. A very sad story, one that seems to continue, the famous Bailey case.

You get the background, the area, the scene, the crime, the suspect, and a resolution.....of sorts.

It could have been told over two episodes, it's true it is a little dragged out in parts, but it's a very intriguing story.

Some think the answers are black and white, and obvious, I'm perhaps a little more sceptical, give it a watch, and see what you think.

Very watchable, 7/10.

This seems a French way of filming. Dragging a short story long, with beautiful Irish scenes and many characters giving their serious views and impressions. As others already wrote, there is not much forensic evidence in this crime story. It is hard to believe that the pathologist(s) were not able to bring more information and that there is basically only one suspect, and a series of witnesses that change their statements over time. A very thin story. Having said this, it is worthwhile seeing it. It is also interesting that the Irish court was not able to convict the suspect while the French court was.

I felt incredible sadness for the family of Sophie, and also the betrayal by the judicial system in Ireland. From the DPP who wouldn't prosecute and dismissed domestic violence as "one of those things that happen", to the incompetence and corruption of the Gardia, and even the attitude of the Coroner who didn't arrive on the murder scene until days later. Maybe the murder of a woman didn't warrant a speedy response. Also, the self serving 'key witness' who was out with her ex-boyfriend that night, but felt her own welfare came above the murder of an innocent woman when it came to her conflicting statements. I found the partner of Ian Bailey blinded by the extreme violence and abuse suffered at the hands of the 'poet' and maybe if she hadn't stuck by him for so long, justice would have been served. Mostly, I found the egotistical, angry, self indulgence of Ian Bailey the hardest thing to stomach. Here we have a violent man, with extreme sexual fantasies, lying to the audience in a vain attempt to attract pity. Where is the justice for Sophie, and how can a community life with such a man?

This kind of documentary show needs more appreciation. The crews interviewed many eye witnesses, dug old footages and even went back and forth between Ireland and French to show what happened.

It also shows no bias. All were interviewed. All available documents were presented. Two sides of the coin were covered so that audience don't have any doubt whatsoever, or or vice versa, even more doubtful?!

Good overview of a story I remember from all those years ago (I'm Irish). The pain of sophie's family is harrowing, the limitations of evidence frustrating, all that's left is gut human instinct of who is really telling the truth?