Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror

This is a horrific case that is emblematic of the toll stalking takes on victims, and I couldn't imagine having to deal with this for over a decade. It details some of the struggles victims go through to be taken seriously, and it isn't until something truly horrific happens that action is taken. Restraining orders, even when granted, are just a piece of paper, and it wouldn't have stopped this guy from what he was determined to do

As a man I don't think I can ever really put myself in the shoes of someone like Samantha. Yes, men can be and are stalked, in fact I've known it to happen to someone personally. However, almost every woman I know personally has a story of someone showing up randomly, following them, calling constantly, etc, and there is no way to tell when someone is going to cross the line into something devastating

I think the story was told well by Samantha, and the documentary did a good job going through the timeline and highlighting the repetitive nature of what Samantha was dealing with to the point it just became part of her routine. It's sad to hear her doubt her own intuition and question whether she was reading too much into things when the red lights were glaring. It's even more infuriating to know that there wasn't much she could do about it, and when she tried she was denied

However, the tone just seemed off the whole time. Everything was told in a light way as if they were just retelling what they had for dinner yesterday. The way events were explained just didn't match the serious nature of what happened. In fact, I questioned myself a couple times if this was an actual real story or a fictional dramatization because it all seemed so disconnected

I don't know if this was a deliberate choice of the producers or just their natural demeanors regarding serious events, but it was everyone from Samantha's friends, law enforcement, judges, and Samantha herself that just seemed so unemotional through it all. This makes me believe it was a production choice to try and keep things as light as possible which, if true, was a bad choice because this is a horrifying story that is more common than anyone would like to admit

Overall, I'm glad Samantha has the strength to tell her story, and I'm glad she no longer has to live with that fear literally following her around every day. We need much tougher laws surrounding stalking.

I feel sorry for Samantha and other female victims who have been stalked, sexually assaulted or kidnapped.

I'm more so upset at the lack of EMPATHY in some of these reviews.

First of all, why do you all assume that Hulu would put a fake documentary on their streaming platform! That's ignorant to even post or think that. The story is definitely true.

Second of all, It's obvious that some of you that are posting negative comments clearly didn't watch and pay attention to the documentary or maybe just plain dumb and heartless. Just a lot of NEGATIVE NANCY'S posting reviews that make absolutely no SENSE.

Lastly, I pray that Samantha is seeking the professional help that she needs. I admire her strength to tell her story to the world. We live in a very judgmental world where a bunch of know-it-alls think their life is better. I'm sure Samantha was scrutinized for coming forward. She is a victim who needs love and support. No one can tell her how to feel or how to tell her story. I hope she continues to bring awareness to situations like this because it's very SERIOUS and should not be overlooked.

The documentary largely relies on the victim's narration with recreated visuals, giving it a lighter tone than expected. The victim, officers, and others speak very casually, often smiling and joking, which undercuts the sense of dread. With a title like "13 years of terror," it never builds the intensity or eerie atmosphere the story demands. Instead, it portrays the obsession of one individual in a way that feels easy to watch rather than unsettling. An okay watch, but far from haunting. What puzzled me most was how everyone interviewed seemed rather at ease when the film called for greater seriousness.

One reviewer that said they found nothing about this story on the internet until a few days around the date of the release of the documentary. They need to learn how to search the internet better. On 12 Oct 2022 there was a local news story published online on a Chicago news channel and there was also at that time (2022) a GoFundMe created to support the victim in this story. Over $32,000 has been raised.

I feel like I understand the victim Samantha in this story because I've had to 'pretend' to save my own life several times. The best way in my opinion to cope with the aftermath is to put it behind you and this could appear to some people as detached. Well I challenge anyone to go through a similar circumstance, survive through your own wits, and then not distance yourself from the act. You need to do it to keep your sanity. The worst thing you can do is let an unfortunate situation traumatize you forever and ruin the rest of your life. My motto is 'Never let them win'. Don't let them take more from you than they already have.

Dear Samantha,

I don't even have the words express how sorry I am for the years of pain you endured - the stalking, the abuse, the emotional torment. I am in awe of your strength and resilience. It's more than anyone should ever have to bear.

The emotional impact is overwhelming, filled with a desperate anger and a hope that it will just finally go away. It seems to have arrived the moment everything else was exhausted-when there was nothing left to give.

I am so terribly sorry for all you have had to endure. There was a moments a flicker, where you may have lost your life. That reality is horrifying.

I hope with my heart that you are well. May bright lights shine upon your path, and may God bless you with love and peace.