American Murder: Laci Peterson

Laci Peterson disappears, husband Scott contacts The Police to report it. Laci's family are keen to support Scott, who's behaviour seems curious to say the least, until details of an affair come to light.

I've seen a few documentaries about this story, some decent, some not so, this is the best one so far. I was worried that it would be overlong, Netflix does have a habit of padding out documentaries, here though they get the balance just right.

I think it's a very balanced examination of the case, they give both sides of the argument, we hear from the loved ones of both Laci and Scott, we also hear from the legal teams on both sides, you're given enough information to form your own opinion.

Scott's interviews, worth checking out, he genuinely looks blank, somehow dead behind the eyes, it seems almost impossible to believe a word he says, I just didn't get why he didn't show any signs of being upset.

I was impressed by the strength of Laci's family, it must have been such a harrowing effort to speak about poor Laci.

8/10.

This case riveted the American news in the late 1990's. A beautiful young pregnant woman goes missing on Christmas Eve and the most obvious suspect is her husband, Scott. I am very familiar with the story because I followed it closely at the time it happened. This documentary does not really offer anything new; however, it does a good job of summarizing all that happened in and around the disappearance, investigation, arrest, and trial. The documentary is filled with modern interviews with investigators and family. It is also filled with archival news footage. It is sad, but good. I know Peterson is still actively trying to overturn his conviction and claiming his indiscretions had nothing to do with her murder. This is three episodes but not too long.

This documentary is well done in a way that respectfully honors Laci's memory. Hearing first hand from Laci's friends and family brings you through the whole emotional rollercoaster they experienced and the nightmare that they lived. It also does a great job of portraying how the media played a role before the time of smart phones.

I watched the three episodes in one sitting because I was so invested in the process of the family finding answers and getting closure. If you're looking for brutal details of the actual murder, then this documentary isn't for you. It was made with Laci's family and friends, who want you to know who Laci was as a person. I also appreciated the filmmakers decision to add resources and information for domestic violence victims.

Laci Peterson, an eight-month pregnant woman, was reported missing by her husband, Scott, and later found deceased alongside her fetus. This case became one of the most notorious murder cases in America, sparking a media frenzy and intense public interest. Nearly every American media network has produced a documentary on this case, the latest being Netflix's three-episode miniseries on it.

The series is excellently crafted, showcasing the entire case through genuine audio clips and video footage. It features interviews with individuals intimately connected to the case, including family members and friends of both Laci and Scott, lawyers, detectives, reporters, and jurors, as well as dated news segments and original documents.

This documentary adopts a unique approach by revealing the case's verdict at the start, then delving into the backstory and the events that led to it. I found that to be quite intriguing.

Despite its strengths, this documentary, like many others, attempts to shamelessly exploit people's emotions by focusing the camera on their faces for too long in hopes of capturing their distress and tears. Additionally, there were instances where the documentary seemed to show bias, which was something I did not appreciate.

Overall, this is an informative documentary and a MUST-WATCH for true crime buffs.

It seems that audiences today are quick to harshly criticize Netflix's true crime offerings, often overlooking the quality in their rush to judgment. Yes, Netflix is a business, and making money is part of the game-no surprises there. But let's not lose sight of the craftsmanship involved. This documentary was not only well-made but also genuinely engaging, drawing viewers in with its meticulous storytelling and a narrative that unfolds clearly and effectively. The pacing keeps you on edge without feeling rushed, ensuring that every chilling detail of this gruesome yet utterly captivating story sinks in. Despite not knowing anything about the case beforehand, I found the documentary strikingly balanced, presenting the facts in a way that felt objective and unvarnished. This is a gripping watch that delivers both on intrigue and substance, far exceeding what one might expect from a typical true crime production. Don't let the naysayers sway you-this is a compelling addition to the genre.