DOCUMENTARY WALKTHROUGH
THE BEST ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARIES THAT NETFLIX HAS TO OFFER
Making a Murderer
Image: Netflix
The one that started it all…
Perhaps one of Netflix’s most popular programmes, Making a Murderer is a documentary series exploring the story of Steven Avery, a man wrongly imprisoned 18 years for sexual assault and attempted murder. After release from prison, he filed a law suit against his county but was then imprisoned again for the murder of local photographer, Lisa Halbach. He still claims his innocence.
The documentary has achieved political acclaim for its engaging way use of storytelling, and Avery’s nephew, Brendan Dassey has even had his charges of murder cleared due to evidence uncovered in the documentary.
If you enjoy true crime and engaging documentaries, Making a Murderer should be your first port of call on Netflix.
The Keepers
Image: Netflix
Whodunnit…
Another crime documentary, The Keepers explores the death of nun Sister Cathy Cesnik and the potential cover up of her murder.
The Keepers does an excellent job of keeping you immersed and engaged throughout the whole documentary, and, the theories of the former students’ are as likely as they are shocking.
The way in which it weaves between 1969, the 1990s and the present day leads to very strong storytelling, and I like the fact it doesn’t lead the viewer towards a definite conclusion.
It’s haunting, but entirely worth your time.
Take Your Pills
Image: Netflix
A bitter pill to swallow…
Take Your Pills is a documentary exploring the effects of the drug Adderall – ADHD medicine commonly used as an athletic performance enhancer, cognitive enhancer and aphrodisiac.
Take Your Pills interviews doctors, experts and Adderall users and ex-users to create a full picture of what the drug does to your mind and body, and whether it’s worth it.
Heavy on graphics, the documentary has a more modern take and feel, and the exploration of how the medicine has become a $13 billion-a-year business is fresh and unique.
Amanda Knox
Image: Netflix
Netflix likes making murder documentaries…
Amanda Knox tells the story of an American exchange student in Italy who was wrongly accused of murder. Film-makers Rod Blackhurst and Ryan McGinn persuaded Amanda to tell her story for the first time since the ordeal which had her imprisoned for almost four years.
The film-makers also interview all the main players in the story, and create an impressive sense of mystery around the ordeal.
You can’t help but feel interested in the way that she was portrayed as an evil witch in the trial, but you also can’t help but sympathise either.
Icarus
Image: Netflix
And finally… (for now)
Icarus won film-maker Bryan Fogel the Academy Award for best documentary for his account of the doping scandal that dominated headlines a couple years back.
While the doping scandal itself is interesting in itself, it’s the story of how it unfolded that is truly fascinating. Fogel wanted to use performance enhancing drugs to try and win an amateur race, but it was when he got in touch with the head of Russia’s anti-doping laboratory, Grigory Rodchenkov, that the story really began.
Rodchenkov became a major whistle-blower in the case and had to be flown to America for his protection. Although an interesting watch in itself, the international consequences make it a must see.
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