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true crime

“The Investigation” is a grim and respectful true-crime drama

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Tobias Lindholm’s dramatization of the hunt for journalist Kim Wall’s murderer is bleak and thoughtful television.

Reyzando Nawara Posted on February 2, 2021February 2, 2021

“Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer” charts a scary LA summer

Night Stalker
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Netflix’s latest true-crime docuseries expands its scope not just to the famed LA murderer, but the community he […]

Marshall Estes Posted on January 13, 2021January 13, 2021

“Crazy, Not Insane” is a flawed, fascinating portrait of criminal psychology

Crazy, Not Insane
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Alex Gibney’s latest dives into the work of criminal psychologist Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis, but can leave you with more questions than answers.

Eric Langberg Posted on November 25, 2020November 25, 2020

“Unsolved Mysteries” returns to Netflix for an update

Unsolved Mysteries
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The long-running true crime program gets a reboot to examine more murders in a slicker, but emptier, package.

Beau North Posted on July 1, 2020July 2, 2020

“I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” is a powerful ode to Michelle McNamara

I'll be Gone in the Dark
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HBO’s new true-crime docuseries illuminates not just the Golden State Killer, but the woman who dedicated her life to catching him.

Beau North Posted on June 24, 2020June 22, 2020

“Trial by Media” shows the clash between jurisprudence and journalism

Trial By Media
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From Jon Schmitz to Rod Blagojevich, Netflix documents the way media influences our justice system.

Theo Estes Posted on May 6, 2020May 6, 2020

Amy Ryan Searches for Justice in “Lost Girls”

Lost Girls
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Liz Garbus’ Sundance drama offers a gut-wrenching, if muddled, look at a true crime disappearance.

Marshall Estes Posted on March 12, 2020March 12, 2020

“The Most Dangerous Animal of All” Asks Some Unsettling Questions

The Most Dangerous Animal of All
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FX’s true crime documentary examines one man’s obsessive search for the truth about his birth father.

Beau North Posted on March 4, 2020March 4, 2020

The Confession Killer Review: I Drink Your Milkshake

The Confession Killer
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Robert Kenner and Taki Oldham tackle the curious case of a man who’s confessed to too many crimes.

Beau North Posted on December 9, 2019December 9, 2019

Dark Waters Review: Fighting the Power to Mixed Results

Dark Waters
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Todd Haynes steps outside of his wheelhouse with a well-intentioned, but messy piece of narrative journalism.

Douglas Laman Posted on November 20, 2019November 20, 2019

Jacob Yoffee and Roahn Hylton on Scoring Social Justice in Amazon’s “Free Meek”

Free Meek, Jacob Yoffee and Roahn Hylton
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The composers of Amazon’s new docuseries talk about Meek Mill, their contrasting styles, and the challenges of documentary scoring.

Clint Worthington Posted on August 9, 2019August 9, 2019

Charlie Says Review: The Ultimate Bad Trip, Man

Charlie Says
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Mary Harron’s take on the Manson Family features strong performances, but brings little else to the true crime table.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on May 8, 2019August 7, 2020

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile Review: the Dreamiest Serial Killer in All the Land

Extremely Wicked
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A surprisingly solid performance by Zac Efron is wasted on an uneven drama about why chicks dig Ted Bundy.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on May 2, 2019August 7, 2020

A Preview of the 2018 Chicago Critics Film Festival

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The Chicago Film Critics Association’s 6th annual film festival (May 4-10) features some of the year’s best films […]

Alcohollywood Staff Posted on May 3, 2018January 25, 2019
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