“The Scapegoat” is a British television drama film that was released in 2012. The film is an adaptation of the 1957 novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier.
The story follows John Standing, a lonely and disillusioned schoolteacher, who meets his exact double, Johnny Spence, during a train journey. Johnny is a charming and wealthy businessman who is estranged from his family. After a night of heavy drinking, John wakes up to find that Johnny has stolen his identity and disappeared. John decides to impersonate Johnny and takes on his life, but he soon discovers that the Spence family is dysfunctional and that Johnny had his own set of problems.
As John tries to navigate the complexities of the Spence family, he realizes that he is becoming a scapegoat for their issues. The film explores themes of identity, family, and the consequences of deception.
“The Scapegoat” was directed by Charles Sturridge and starred Matthew Rhys as both John Standing and Johnny Spence. Other cast members include Eileen Atkins, Anton Lesser, Jodhi May, and Sheridan Smith.
The film received positive reviews from critics for its strong performances and atmospheric storytelling. It was nominated for a BAFTA Television Award in 2013 for Best Single Drama.
Duration: 108 min.
