Murdaugh Murders: The Movie

Boy, this Lifetime movie is boring. I saw quite a few documentaries on the case, but eventually tired of watching them, since they all were alike. Since this was a fiction movie, however, I was once again curious. What a waste of time, plus two rental fees at Amazon! I almost didn't even watch Episode 2 after seeing Episode 1.

If you know nothing or little about the case, it might interest you. If you know a lot, all this movie does is reenact details using characters that have no complexity. Alex is a drug addict in deep financial trouble. Maggie is like a '50s housewife, sweet but either blind to all that goes on with Alex, or simply turning a blind eye to it all. Paul was portrayed as much nicer than he was in real life. Buster is not there at all! He's mentioned, but never present, not even at the trial. Did the real Buster threaten to sue Lifetime?

There's no plot, no buildup to anything, not even the murder or the murder trial. I guess the viewer was supposed to be satisfied watching Bill Pullman play a desperate drug addict. Wow, how thrilling. Stick with documentaries if you want to know more about the Murdaugh family. Don't waste your time trying to make it through this pluff mud.

It is difficult to believe that anyone believes Bill Pullman did a great job with this. Murdaugh was 53 was he committed the murders; a robust, vibrant mover and shaker. Pullman was in his late 60's when he played this role. I don't know if Pullman is really a shaky, doddering old man, but he sure plays one. The squint, the waver in the voice, the "old man" ambling, the slump to the shoulders . . . None of it is age appropriate. My father was in better shape into his early 80's. My father-in-law is 86 and still golfs and works! C'mon - who can believe this is supposed to be Alex Murdaugh? It is difficult to get past the awful acting and see the story. I watched it only because I could leave, do laundry, clean, and come back to see Pullman still trying to pull this off. I also wanted to get the gist of the story, which is the only thing this is adequate for. Save yourself some time. Watch a documentary.

As a southerner, it's hard to concentrate on a film that uses non southern actors who try to talk southern. The problem is that from Texas to the Carolinas, each community sounds different. But, non southern actors try to pretend to be southern with same accent no matter where in the South the story is supposed to be located. It is like saying that someone from Boston sounds like someone from New York City. It causes a distraction that is hard to overcome, no matter how hard they try. That assist, this 2 parter is ok. It is a good attempt to tell this story of an American tragedy and a family gone wrong.

The Murdough murders is a compelling story on its on but the production of the movie is a little slow. However Pullman's performance makes the show. I was surprised at how good he was! If you've watched true crime stories you should check this out. It's not the best movie but it's not the worst. The Murdough story is pretty interesting on its own but just watching Pullman slowly descend into a train wreck is fun to watch. Honestly he should win an Emmy for this one. Honestly I don't have much more to say about this show but I do need a few more words to meet the required characters. Check it out. I hope to see more from Pullman.

I have followed this case from almost the beginning starting with the boat crash. I live in Ga & so there was coverage about the boat crash....don't think it was national news at that point. Then came the murders & it became national news & then I really became intrigued. If you really want a thorough, deep dive into this case....go listen to The Murdaugh Murder podcast episodes.

Maybe I was spoiled by that podcast, and I realize this was basically a 3 1/2 hour movie but it glossed over important elements. And as much as I like Bill Pullium, he didn't really capture the man. And I got distracted by no one pronouncing Murdaugh correctly. As I said, it was just average & opportunity was missed to make a much better movie.