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Killing for Love (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Killing for Love (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language: 2017 · 130 min · English; Loading streaming availability…
Directed by: Karin Steinberger, Marcus Vetter
Starring: Imogen Poots, Carlos Santos, Chuck Reid, Daniel Brühl, Dave Watson, Ed Sulzbach

In 1985, the brutal murders of Derek and Nancy Haysom in Virginia captivated the nation. The subsequent trial of their daughter, Elizabeth Haysom, and her boyfriend, Jens Soering—the son of a German diplomat—became a source of intense public scrutiny, raising complex questions about guilt, justice, and the devastating consequences of obsession. The case explored themes of betrayal and the possibility of an innocent man bearing the burden for a crime he did not commit.

Crime Documentary Cast, crew & box office

On this page (7)

1 Where to watch
2 Characters explained (4)
3 Where & when it takes place
4 Themes & meaning (3)
5 Character & meaning questions
6 Movie threads
7 Every angle

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Killing for Love Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Killing for Love (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

Elizabeth Haysom

played by Imogen Poots

Elizabeth is depicted as a complex figure, caught in a web of her own making. Initially viewed as a victim, her involvement in her parents' murder raises questions about her psyche, with diagnoses labeling her as borderline schizophrenic and a pathological liar. Her motivations and entanglements reveal a character struggling with identity and consequences.
- 👩‍⚖️ Criminal
- ❤️ Victim
- 🧠 Psychological
Jens Söring

played by Daniel Brühl

Jens is a deeply conflicted character who sacrifices his freedom for love. Initially perceived as a murderer, his journey reveals layers of complexity, guilt, and regret. His decisions, driven by a misguided sense of love and protection, challenge the viewer's perception of heroism and victimhood.
- 🕵️‍♂️ Enigma
- 💔 Sacrifice
- 😔 Regret
Chuck Reid

Chuck serves as a dedicated investigator seeking the truth amid a convoluted case. His role underscores the challenges faced by those trying to navigate the justice system. Committed to uncovering hidden details, Chuck's experience highlights the often fraught relationship between law enforcement and the stories of those involved.
- 🔍 Investigator
- 🕵️‍♂️ Determined
- 📜 Truth-Seeker
Dave Watson

Dave is a private investigator who employs unconventional methods to dig deeper into the case. His insights and dedication illuminate the challenges faced by investigators in rectifying wrongful convictions. He represents the tireless efforts of those committed to seeking justice.
- 🔍 Investigator
- 📚 Researcher
- 🧩 Problem-Solver

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:04

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Setting

Where and When Does Killing for Love Take Place?

The setting of Killing for Love (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1985, 1990

The events surrounding the murders occurred in the mid-1980s leading to a trial that unfolded in 1990. This time period in America was marked by rising crime rates and increasing media attention on sensational trials, reflecting societal anxieties about justice and morality.

Location

Lynchburg, Virginia

Lynchburg is a small city in Virginia known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes. It became notable during the murder investigation of Derek and Nancy Haysom, which shocked the local community and garnered national attention. The city reflects a blend of Southern charm and complex legal narratives.

📍 Location
🏙️ City

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:04

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3 major themes

Killing for Love Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Killing for Love (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

Justice vs. Injustice

The quest for truth and justice is central to the narrative, exploring whether Jens Söring received a fair trial or was wrongfully convicted. The series dives into the moral complexities of the characters' choices and the judicial system's reliability, resulting in impactful debates about guilt and innocence.
Love and Sacrifice

At its core, the story portrays a tragic love affair that leads to devastating consequences. Jens's decision to confess to protect Elizabeth showcases a misguided notion of love, revealing the depth of human emotion intertwined with tragic outcomes. This theme resonates throughout their tumultuous journey.
Truth and Deception

The narrative intricately weaves together elements of deception, with characters posing as both victims and perpetrators. The psychological evaluations of Elizabeth raise questions about credibility and sanity, prompting audiences to consider the nature of truth in the story, reflecting broader themes of mental health and manipulation.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:04

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Character & theme questions

Killing for Love Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Killing for Love (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does the documentary take place?

The documentary is set in Lynchburg, Virginia, a small city known for its Southern charm and picturesque landscapes. The Haysom murders occurred at the family's home in this city, which became the center of a case that garnered national attention.

lynchburg
virginia
location
setting
haysom house

Q2

What time period does the documentary cover?

The events begin in 1985 when the brutal murders of Derek and Nancy Haysom occurred. The trial then unfolded in 1990, placing the narrative in the mid-to-late 1980s, a period marked by rising crime rates and intense media coverage of sensational trials in America.

1985
1990
time period
era
trial
1980s

Q3

What does Justice vs. Injustice mean in the documentary?

The documentary examines whether Jens Söring received a fair trial or was wrongfully convicted for the Haysom murders. It explores the moral complexities of the judicial system, questioning whether justice was truly served and sparking debates about guilt and innocence.

justice
injustice
fair trial
wrongful conviction
judicial system

Q4

What does Love and Sacrifice mean in the documentary?

The story portrays a tragic love affair between Elizabeth Haysom and Jens Söring that led to devastating consequences. Jens's decision to confess to the murders to protect Elizabeth represents a misguided sacrifice, revealing how deep emotional devotion can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

love
sacrifice
elizabeth haysom
jens soring
confession

Q5

What does Truth and Deception mean in the documentary?

The narrative explores how characters pose as both victims and perpetrators. Elizabeth's psychological evaluations, which labeled her as borderline schizophrenic and a pathological liar, raise questions about credibility and sanity, challenging audiences to discern the nature of truth.

truth
deception
elizabeth haysom
psychological evaluation
lying

Q6

Who is Elizabeth Haysom and what is her role?

Elizabeth Haysom is the daughter of murder victims Derek and Nancy Haysom. Initially viewed as a victim, she became a central figure in the investigation after her involvement in the crimes came to light. Psychological evaluations labeled her as borderline schizophrenic and a pathological liar, making her one of the most complex characters in the documentary.

elizabeth haysom
daughter
psychopath
borderline schizophrenic

Q7

Who is Jens Söring and why is he significant?

Jens Söring is the son of a German diplomat who became the prime suspect in the Haysom murders. He is a deeply conflicted character who confessed to the crimes, reportedly to protect Elizabeth Haysom. His story reveals layers of complexity, guilt, and regret, challenging viewers' perceptions of heroism and victimhood.

jens soring
german diplomat
confession
prime suspect
protecting elizabeth

Q8

Who investigates the Haysom murders case?

The documentary features Chuck Reid as a dedicated investigator seeking the truth in the convoluted case. Additionally, Dave Watson is portrayed as a private investigator who employs unconventional methods to uncover new evidence and challenge the original verdict, representing efforts to rectifying potential wrongful convictions.

chuck reid
dave watson
investigator
private investigator
haysom investigation

Q9

Why is the case presented as complex?

The documentary presents multiple perspectives from lawyers, investigators, and psychiatrists. The case involves shifting alibis, recanted confessions, and new forensic evidence, particularly DNA testing that suggests potential innocence. This creates layered truths and ambiguity about who actually committed the murders.

complex case
multiple perspectives
DNA evidence
alibi
recanted confession

Q10

What is the unresolved question at the end of the documentary?

The documentary ends ambiguously, with DNA evidence suggesting Jens Söring may be innocent. The real murderer possibly remains unknown, leaving the central question of guilt unresolved. This uncertainty amplifies the unsettling feel of the narrative and raises questions about the reliability of the original trial outcome.

ending
ambiguous
DNA evidence
innocence
unresolved
who killed haysoms

Movie threads

More Movies Like Killing for Love, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Killing for Love tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

True crime documentaries with ambiguous endings like Killing for Love

Documentaries that leave you questioning the official verdict and the nature of guilt itself. If you were captivated by the unresolved questions in 'Killing for Love', explore more movies like it. These documentaries present complex true crime stories where the final verdict feels uncertain, leaving you to ponder the evidence and grapple with the unsettling ambiguity of the case.

investigative
unsettling
somber
thought-provoking
grim
suspenseful
Tone: somber, investigative, unsettling
Pacing: steady, methodical

Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow a meticulous, investigative structure, presenting evidence from multiple angles—prosecution, defense, and new findings. The journey is one of mounting doubt rather than clear resolution, often ending with an implicit challenge to the audience to form their own conclusion about guilt and innocence.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared commitment to exploring the gray areas of justice. They prioritize a somber, inquisitive mood over closure, using a steady pace to build a case for complexity, making them compelling for viewers who appreciate thought-provoking, rather than neatly resolved, true stories.

Killing for Love movie poster

Killing for Love

2017

The Oxford Murders movie poster

The Oxford Murders

2008

Golam movie poster

Golam

2024

Disappearance at Clifton Hill movie poster

Disappearance at Clifton Hill

2020

Arishadvarga movie poster

Arishadvarga

2019

Shattered movie poster

Shattered

1991

Death of a Vlogger movie poster

Death of a Vlogger

2019

10 Kalpanakal movie poster

10 Kalpanakal

2016

Grim investigative procedurals similar to Killing for Love

Stories where a steady, methodical investigation uncovers deeply disturbing truths. Fans of the methodical, unsettling investigation in 'Killing for Love' will find similar movies here. These films use a steady pace to delve into dark subjects, focusing on the process of uncovering difficult truths, whether in a courtroom, a newsroom, or a personal quest for answers.

suspenseful
grim
investigative
anxious
oppressive
somber
Tone: dark, serious, oppressive
Pacing: steady, deliberate

Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a central mystery or crime that is unraveled piece by piece. The focus is on the process—gathering evidence, conducting interviews, legal maneuvers—rather than fast-paced action. The emotional journey is one of descending into a grim reality, where each revelation adds weight and complexity, often challenging the characters' and viewers' perceptions.

Why they belong together: These movies share a specific mood mix: a serious, oppressive tone combined with a suspenseful yet steady pacing. The experience is defined by an anxious, investigative drive that leads to somber revelations, creating a cohesive vibe of grim discovery that is intellectually and emotionally engaging.

Dark Crimes movie poster

Dark Crimes

2018

Counter Investigation movie poster

Counter Investigation

2007

Grim movie poster

Grim

1996

Brown's Requiem movie poster

Brown's Requiem

2000

The Calling movie poster

The Calling

2014

Macabre Case of Prompiram movie poster

Macabre Case of Prompiram

2003

True Story movie poster

True Story

2015

Sleeping Dogs movie poster

Sleeping Dogs

2024

Every angle

Killing for Love (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Killing for Love in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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