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

true crime Archives - Page 2 of 2 - The Spool (Page 2)

Netflix’s latest true-crime docuseries expands its scope not just to the famed LA murderer, but the community he ravaged, to gripping effect.NOW STREAMING: Powered by JustWatch On March 17, 1985, Maria Hernandez was shot by an intruder. Fortunately, the bullet ricocheted off of her keys as she used them to shield her face. Her roommate, ... “Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer” charts a scary LA summer

Reviews

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

By: Eric Langberg

Alex Gibney's latest dives into the work of criminal psychologist Dr. Dorothy Otnow Lewis, but can leave you with more questions than answers.

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The Spool is an irreverent, informative source for film and television coverage, focused on diverse, thoughtful opinions that seek out a greater understanding of the media we love.

Reviews

“Unsolved Mysteries” returns to Netflix for an update

By: Beau North

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

Reviews

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

By: Beau North

HBO's new true-crime docuseries illuminates not just the Golden State Killer, but the woman who dedicated her life to catching him.

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

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

Amy Ryan Searches for Justice in “Lost Girls”

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

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

FX's true crime documentary examines one man's obsessive search for the truth about his birth father.

The Confession Killer Review: I Drink Your Milkshake

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

Dark Waters Review: Fighting the Power to Mixed Results

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

Podcasts

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

The composers of Amazon's new docuseries talk about Meek Mill, their contrasting styles, and the challenges of documentary scoring.

Charlie Says Review: The Ultimate Bad Trip, Man

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

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

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

Festivals

A Preview of the 2018 Chicago Critics Film Festival

The Chicago Film Critics Association’s 6th annual film festival (May 4-10) features some of the year’s best films that might otherwise fly under your radar. This piece originally posted at Alcohollywood For the past six years, the Chicago Critics Film Festival has been a brilliant showcase for some of the year’s most intriguing, bewildering and ... A Preview of the 2018 Chicago Critics Film Festival

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