"Boetie Boer," the documentary on South African serial killer Stewart Wilken, emerges as a slow burner that leans heavily on style, sometimes at the expense of substance. The film inundates viewers with an excess of slow-motion visuals and over-the-top reenactments, creating a visually overproduced experience. The timelines presented can be confusing, hindering the audience's ability to follow the narrative cohesively. In an attempt to be edgy, the documentary occasionally overreaches, compromising its overall impact.
Despite these stylistic drawbacks, the documentary does offer some redeeming qualities. The insights provided by local industry professionals inject a valuable layer of expertise into the narrative, offering context and analysis. The audio interview with Boetie Boer himself stands out as a highlight, providing a chilling firsthand account that adds depth to the storytelling.
While "Boetie Boer" may falter in its stylistic choices and pacing, the documentary manages to salvage some merit through its incorporation of expert commentary and the unsettling revelations shared by the notorious killer. It serves as a reminder that, even in the realm of true crime documentaries, a delicate balance between style and substance is crucial for a truly impactful viewing experience.
