Lockerbie is a devastating time-hopping journey that tells the story of how the UK’s deadliest terror attacks came to be and how the victims’ loved ones coped and pursued justice, despite all odds. It takes on multiple perspectives—political, psychological—and resembles many genres at once—thriller, mystery, drama. But more than anything, it’s a story about grief, trauma, and as the title suggests, an inspiring pursuit of the truth. at its core, it’s a story about grief. Swire’s family is traumatized, and they all cope in different ways. It’s about what people, a community, can do when they’re sad and wronged. They can band together and demand justice in inspiring ways. It’s moving, but it has teeth too. It takes down the apathy and the secrecy of institutions more interested in protecting their own than the greater good.
"The series is a handy primer on the basics of what happened and who it affected, especially after the world’s attention shifted elsewhere. But it also struggles to place Jim’s plight in a broader context."
— Alison Herman
Dr Jim Swire tragically loses his daughter when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over a small town on 21 December 1988. Travelling across continents and political divides, Swire embarks on a relentless journey that not only jeopardises his stability, family and life, but completely overturns his trust in the justice system. As the truth shifts under his feet, Swire's view of the world is left forever sullied.
Based on the book by Doctor Jim Swire, the miniseries tells the story of how Swire (Colin Firth) pursues truth for the families and loved ones of those who were killed in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.
What’s interesting about this rendition of the tragedy is that it doesn’t demonize one group; its anger is systematic. It holds the elusive English government accountable as much as it does the perpatrators behind the heinous attack. Also, I’ll be thinking about that 15-second scene for quite some time (if you know, you know).
You won’t find clear-cut resolutions here, but it tells a thrilling and moving story nonetheless.
