Der Fall Jens Söring - Tödliche Leidenschaft

Usually when Netflix presents a true-crime documentary, there is always some sort of controversial angle to discuss. In this one, in my opinion, there is nothing controversial to discuss. Both of the people who were accused of the crime most likely had something to do with the crime. Only one of them was convicted of murder, served a prison sentence that was equally lengthy. You might argue that neither one of them deserved to be released on parole, but that is another question altogether. I don't believe that Jens had nothing to do with the murder, and I also don't believe that Elizabeth was not present during the murder. The alibi that they both constructed was pretty weak considering it relied on movie tickets that can be fixed, especially back then. And if they were innocent, why did they both run away together, causing an international manhunt?

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.

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.

It's been a while since I've seen a criminal documentary, the truth is that this one is very well documented. Very detailed and with very good moments in the courtroom, realistic and without actors, I loved that. Well.. almost all of them are the real characters of the investigation and the crime.

The story is strong, with real images of the crime, be careful if you are sensitive to this type of story, it can give you nightmares. The documentary is very exciting and has 4 episodes that keeps you on the edge of the seat. It has terrifying moments and those that leave you stunned.

There is more than enough evidence to imprison them both, the letters between Elizabeth and Jens are the best example. If the crime was committed by Elizabeth or Jens, or both, only they will know. We will never know, although the movie tickets made me doubt, but the truth is that I don't know, it's quite complicated. That they deserve jail, that's certainly clear to me.

Jens uses his intelligence to turn the story around, very credible in my opinion. He served more than 30 years in prison, so there is a reasonable doubt. It is clear that the help of powerful politicians and his diplomatic status also help him. Let's be honest, because of him they freed Elizabeth too, that seemed strange to me but logical at the same time.

Jens leaves prison very happy and cheerful, but I imagine that after more than 30 years, prison becomes your home, right? Or so I think. I also didn't mind that he spoke in German, it is his native language and he expresses himself better that way.

This documentary is very well made, one of the best crime documentaries I have seen in recent years, and I also did not know about this crime.

It is worth it from start to finish, it is scary and at the same time it is very psychological. As you can see, I am a fan, I recommend it without a doubt.

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.