There’s something uniquely haunting about unsolved Victorian-era murder cases, especially those involving the grisly, raw imagery of axe murders. With Jury of Her Peers, Will Do Films, LLC taps into America’s enduring fascination with these historical tales of crime, drawing viewers into an atmosphere of suspense and mystery rooted in actual events. Directed by William Rock and inspired by a notorious unsolved Iowa murder from the early 1900s, this upcoming film promises to deliver all the chilling intrigue true crime fans crave, set to release in 2025.
As the Victorian era gave way to a new century, public fascination with dark, unresolved cases continued to grow—especially those steeped in rural isolation and tragic human flaws. Murder cases from this period tend to capture our imaginations with a distinct blend of horror and pathos, as they often pit everyday people against unimaginable acts. Jury of Her Peers taps into these classic themes. Still, it also adds a profoundly human element, exploring how the hidden lives of ordinary people can give rise to tragedies that remain chilling even a century later.
The writings of Susan Glaspell, an American literary icon, inspire the film. Glaspell’s stories, often centered on Midwestern lives and moral struggles, have endured as powerful explorations of human nature. Her short story A Jury of Her Peers, based on the same unsolved Iowa axe murder, serves as the creative backbone for this film adaptation. Rock’s screenplay doesn’t simply adapt Glaspell’s story; it brings the psychological depth and ethical dilemmas she was known for to the big screen, asking audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, guilt, and the darkness within.
In Jury of Her Peers, viewers follow Dora Hale (Stephanie Schneider), a woman whose loyalty to her friend Margaret Wright (Brianne Magel) propels her into a world of secrets and accusations. When Margaret is suspected of murdering her husband, Dora takes it upon herself to uncover the truth, blurring the lines between friend, investigator, and protector. This morally complex narrative, set against the desolate plains of rural Iowa, perfectly evokes the eerie isolation and intense, slow-building dread that defines classic Victorian crime stories.
John Hansen captures the haunting beauty of Midwestern farmland, adding to the film’s atmospheric tension. With chillingly authentic costumes, vintage set pieces, and a plot steeped in historical detail, Jury of Her Peers checks every box for fans of Victorian-era true crime narratives. For those who can’t get enough of the psychological intrigue, moral conflict, and spine-tingling suspense that have become synonymous with classic murder mysteries, this film promises to be a perfect addition to the genre.
William Rock, director and writer, believes that Jury of Her Peers will appeal to both history enthusiasts and modern true crime fans alike. There’s an enduring fascination with stories like these because they allow us to peek behind the polite facades of another era and confront the timeless nature of human flaws and fears. We’re captivated by the question of why and how ordinary people might commit such extraordinary acts.
For those intrigued by Jury of Her Peers, the teaser trailer offers a first glimpse into this spine-chilling tale, and the film’s official site at https://juryofherpeers.com provides more information. With festival screenings on the horizon, this film is poised to draw in audiences nationwide, sparking both suspense and reflection as it explores the depths of human behavior through the lens of a classic Victorian-era mystery.
