Der Fall Jens Söring - Tödliche Leidenschaft

Back in April 1985, The Police are alerted to the home of Derek and Nancy Haysom, who have both been brutally murdered. Police are keen to talk to their daughter Elizabeth, and boyfriend Jens Söring, but the pair have fled the country.

It's a fascinating, bizarre story, which for me, after watching this, is still unresolved. I was as muddled by the end, as I was at the start.

What on Earth really happened, there's so much information, but it's so hard to put the pieces together, it seems that people are firmly in his or her camp, could it not just simply have been a case of both of them did it, and aimed to make it all so messy and complex?

You are only hearing one side, as only Jens Söring speaks, you don't hear from from Elizabeth outside of the trials and Police interviews.

I'm going to say it again, did it need to be four episodes long, the first episode could easily have been edited down, as could the fourth.

7/10.

Netflix has done a solid job churning out this relatively-compelling documentary mini-series.

It centers around a brutal double homicide and the two individuals believed to have been involved in it. But questions about each individual's role in the crime loom, and each opens itself up to meaningful rabbit holes worthy of true crime exploration.

But don't expect this mini-series to get to the bottom of any questions or even explore any rabbit hole in much depth. Expect, rather, sneak peaks of many rabbit holes. It's sort of like the Ikea Showroom of intellectually-compelling true crime - entertaining enough but lacking punch.

I especially surprised that, even near the end of the series, some basic elements of the crime (logistics, brutality, etc.) were not discussed, though they both could have made meaningful and highly-relevant talking points. My inner philosophy student was also somewhat surprised that they failed to mention the prisoner's dilemma.

It almost seems like the series was put together kind of shabbily - if not carelessly. Another sign of this is that Jens Soering's interviews are all in German, despite him speaking perfect English. This was probably because they used the footage from the previously-made German documentary "Killing For Love" (I haven't verified this but strongly suspect it). I don't take issue with the German itself, but it's just another reason to suspect that Netflix is - perhaps fittingly - not telling us the whole story here....

Thankfully, the basics of the story are very intriguing, and the whole story isn't necessary if one's goal is simply to produce "binge-worthy" true crime content. The real life mystery, therefore, provides all the intellectual weight. And coupled with the solid aesthetic production of any Netflix content, that makes for entertaining viewing. It sure could have been better, but that doesn't make it bad.

I give this one a solid 8 and would have given it a 10 if they hadn't drawn it out because I think the series could have wrapped up in less time. Anyway, the two main characters, wow are they sociopathic clever I'll give them that one. I don't want to add details because I don't want to spoil it, but the twists in this, the sheer creepy natural style of the two makes the hairs on your neck stand up. I can only say that I wish the crime investigation tech of today had been available back then. I watched this in a morning (I wake up really early) and couldn't stop. The investigative side and commentary woven in makes this a well done documentary. I'll say remember one word 'passion'...in more ways than one.

All I can say without ruining or spoiling it is I was riveted. This story is so bananas it's hard to even believe but it's true, it happened. I remember seeing their faces on the tv when I was young but I don't remember what exactly what went down and if you don't know, I would advise you go in not knowing. It's better that way. Because at one point my jaw was on the floor. Basically it's the story of two high IQ rich kids with enormous egos who fall in love and develop a shared delusion based on literature works like Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. They then plan to murder the girl's parents so she could be "free." -insert rolled eyes emoji- You can binge watch this in a night and it's highly worth it.

Electric, gripping documentary. You won't regret watching this. Very creepy murder mystery, keeps you guessing all the way through - and indeed at the end. Told in four bingeable episodes.

How did the parents of a brainy, middle class student come to be butchered to death in their home? Was it their daughter or her mercurial German boyfriend? Can we believe either of their stories or are they each trying to cover their own tracks?

It's very well done with dramatic footage from the murder trials and a range of interviews - including Jen Soering himself. Full of colourful footage from the 80s and 90s too.