For those who closely followed the Polkinghorne murder trial that gripped the nation last year, the absence of two key voices on the witness stand was notable: Dr. Philip Polkinghorne, accused of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna, and his former mistress Madison Ashton, an Australian sex worker.
Offering a comprehensive look into the trial, Polk: The Trial Of Philip Polkinghorne, a three-part documentary series set to premiere tonight on Three, fills in the gaps left by the absence of Polkinghorne and Ashton during the nine-week trial that concluded in September.
Polkinghorne, a retired eye surgeon, was acquitted by a jury, with his defense team presenting Hanna’s death as a suicide after years of battling depression. While he did plead guilty to drug possession following the discovery of $10,000 worth of methamphetamine in their upscale Auckland home in Remuera, the documentary sheds light on Polkinghorne’s denial of being a drug user, instead attributing the drug possession to his late wife.
The series provides an uncomfortable yet intriguing viewing experience, delving deeper into the complex characters and intricacies of the trial without offering any confessions or new evidence. It encapsulates the convoluted narrative of the trial and the characters involved, presenting it in an emotionally charged and digestible format that adds to the ongoing conversation.
Throughout the interview featured in the documentary, Polkinghorne oscillates between emotional moments reflecting on his wife’s death and detached critiques of her character, including allegations of her chronic lateness. In a peculiar moment, Polkinghorne attributes Hanna’s alleged derangement on the night of her death to a Covid vaccination she received the day before, claiming it led to encephalitis, a rare side effect of the vaccine.
“What’s truly fascinating about the documentary is the portrayal of the different facets of his character,” explains Mark McNeill, an executive producer of Polk.
The film refrains from taking a definitive stance, allowing viewers to draw their conclusions. Despite Polkinghorne declining further interviews post-trial, the documentary provides ample material for varying interpretations of his innocence or guilt.
Extensive focus is also placed on Ashton, the former mistress, who proves to be a valuable asset to the filmmakers. Through her personal footage and images, she presents a glimpse into Polkinghorne’s alleged descent into drug addiction later in life, despite the complexities of her own character.
While showcasing her extravagant shoe collection and describing herself as having an “actress face, porn star body,” Ashton also reveals less flattering aspects of herself post-facelift, reportedly funded by Polkinghorne. She recounts her efforts to extract a confession from Polkinghorne following his arrest, although she ultimately did not testify in court as the Crown’s key witness.
“Many perceive her in a stereotypical manner, but upon meeting her, you realize she possesses multiple layers and dimensions,” notes McNeill.
In addition to Ashton, Polk features other familiar faces common in true crime documentaries, including the Crown prosecutor, Alysha McClintock, Hanna’s brother Bruce, and friend Pheasant Riordan. Private investigator Julia Hartley Moore, who secured the interview with Polkinghorne, also shares insights into the case, suggesting that Hanna may have reached out to her anonymously before her death to investigate her husband’s mysterious business dealings.
The filmmakers emphasize the tragic end met by Pauline Hanna, maintaining a focus on her throughout the series. This emphasis is evident in the opening and closing images of the documentary, serving as a reminder of the human story behind the sensational trial.
