The best of Phelps' adaptations is also the most somber and least showy. 2016's The Witness for the Prosecution, previously and famously adapted by Billy Wilder, mostly rides on the beleaguered affability of Toby Jones' solicitor protagonist

| May 14, 2020

It's also a sad rumination on how destructive World War I was to the people who survived it, as well as a scathing indictment of misogynistic legal practices that allow women to suffer in order to obtain the desired results.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 5, 2018

... it was not just astoundingly addictive as a whodunit, but was also rich in psychological complexity, which has to be a Christie first.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 1, 2017

In its character, depth and startling bitterness, this adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic short story bears small resemblance to its best-known film version.

| Feb 1, 2017

Perfectly crafted, expertly cast and beautifully scripted by Sarah Phelps, who gave us her brilliant adaptation of And Then There Were None last year, it was simply all you could want from your Boxing Day treat.

| Feb 1, 2017

It's a dark, unsettling Christmas treat to watch slumped in front of the log fire.

| Feb 1, 2017

Jones takes another step in his slow evolution from supporting player to star, but there is excellent work all around.

| Feb 1, 2017

Let's just say that Agatha Christie's The Witness for the Prosecution isn't like anything you'd expect as it adds a layer of psychological hopelessness to the whodunit -- nor is it anything you should miss.

| Feb 1, 2017

Director Julian Jarrold does a particularly fine job of creating the kind of atmosphere that mixes well-constructed anticipation with a certain strain of enjoyable dread, and in the leading role, Toby Jones is simply terrific.

| Feb 1, 2017

It's so good in every respect that it really doesn't need the plot alone to keep me engaged avidly.

| Feb 1, 2017

There are... several flashbacks to World War I which add to the authentic feel to the time period portrayed. While I realize this is not a documentary, when a drama pays attention to historical details it can broaden our understanding of historical events

| Feb 1, 2017

Although it arguably strings things out a bit too much, this newest Witness is a watchable feast of strong portrayals and mostly sturdy plot threads.

| Original Score: A- | Feb 1, 2017

One felt almost personally affronted, so strong were the emotions evoked.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 1, 2017

Be assured that The Witness for the Prosecution is fascinating, maddening and ultimately heartbreaking.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 1, 2017