Our fascination with true crime is far from a modern trend. This genre has captivated audiences for centuries, dating back to the 1880s when the infamous Jack the Ripper murders coincided with the invention of the rotary press, allowing newspapers to feed the public’s morbid curiosity. Today, documentaries have taken the mantle, offering a safe way to explore humanity’s darker side from the comfort of our homes. Here are some of the latest true-crime documentaries that are gripping audiences worldwide.
Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story
The chilling tale of Britain’s most notorious serial killers, Fred and Rosemary West, is revisited in this documentary. It features “recently discovered” police interviews and conversations with relatives of the victims. While it may not introduce much new information for those familiar with the case, the series provides a comprehensive look at the Wests’ horrifying crimes against at least 12 women, including their own daughter. The footage of Fred West directing police to dig up the family’s Gloucester garden is particularly haunting.
Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam
This three-part series takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the world of online romance scams. It follows three women who fall for the same charming man online, only to discover that he is a scammer in dire need of financial help. The documentary is filled with unexpected twists and turns as the women attempt to uncover the truth about the man behind the facade. This gripping series is available on Disney+.
The Mortician
Initially, “The Mortician” seems like a straightforward tale of the Lamb Funeral Home scandal in California, but it quickly escalates into a shocking story of greed and crime. David Sconce, who reluctantly joined his family’s business, begins bulk-burning bodies to cut costs. His actions soon spiral into a series of heinous crimes, involving gang members and war-crime level atrocities. This documentary is not for the faint-hearted and is available on HBO Max.
Australian Crime Stories
Australia’s own contribution to the true-crime genre is the long-running series “Australian Crime Stories.” Now in its fifth season, the series delves into a different crime each episode, from historic unsolved murders to recent scandals. The latest season includes the story of barrister Nicola Gobbo, also known as Lawyer X, and the tale of serial killer Derek Percy. This series is available on 9Now.
Surviving Ohio State
Directed by Australian filmmaker Eva Orner, this documentary explores the sexual abuse scandal at Ohio State University involving sports medicine doctor Richard Strauss. Over his 20-year tenure, Strauss abused at least 177 male students. Despite complaints dating back to 1979, the university failed to take action until 1996. This harrowing documentary is available on Max.
Scamanda
“Scamanda” is an adaptation of a true-crime podcast that tells the story of Christian blogger Amanda Riley, who fabricated a terminal cancer diagnosis to gain financial support. The series examines societal biases, questioning whether Riley would have received the same sympathy and financial aid if she were from a different race or socioeconomic background. This thought-provoking series is available on Disney+.
Grenfell: Uncovered
This documentary revisits the tragic 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, which claimed at least 72 lives. It combines survivor accounts, expert commentary, and damning evidence of corporate negligence that contributed to the disaster. The documentary serves as a powerful indictment of the systemic failures that led to such a preventable tragedy. This series is available on Netflix.
Trainwreck: Poop Cruise
In a bizarre yet compelling tale, “Trainwreck: Poop Cruise” recounts the chaos aboard a cruise ship left without power after an engine fire. Passengers endured four days without running water or functioning toilets, leading to a surreal and unhygienic ordeal. This documentary, available on Netflix, offers a unique perspective on human resilience and the breakdown of societal norms in crisis situations.
Exposed: Naked Crimes
“Exposed: Naked Crimes” takes a voyeuristic look at crimes committed by unclothed perpetrators. The series features clips of these unusual crimes alongside firsthand accounts from law enforcement and witnesses. This titillating series, emblematic of American true-crime storytelling, is available on Max.
True-crime documentaries continue to captivate audiences by offering a glimpse into the darkest corners of human behavior. These series not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion about the societal and systemic issues underlying these crimes. As the genre evolves, it remains a powerful medium for storytelling and reflection.
