Murder on Middle Beach

The opening episode is, perhaps deliberately, misleading. We have a young filmmaker (whose talent becomes evident as the film stretches over several years) making a movie--perhaps a class assignment--about his family. A family where his mother was brutally murdered when he was 18 years old. It's understandable that a young filmmaker would focus on what is most important to him. It is unusual that it turns out that his mother's unsolved murder would be his choice. Few families have such material at hand. And slowly, and cunningly, as details of what appears to be a family living the American dream of privilege despite a divorce, there's a dark center that's revealed more and more with each episode. The construction of the film is masterful. It would be interesting to know why the filming stops from time to time. Is it too painful? Are the revelations that are uncovered (for the audience) too threatening? But we're lucky Madison Hamburg returns to his camera and the story. He's made a sensational documentary about some very "layered" individuals who just happen to be his relatives.

It's not important that the audience shifts (often quickly) about who might be murderer. The crime scene indicates "passion" and "shame" over the killing. But when a close family member reveals she's sought out a "hitman" as well as other sensational facts that shift suspicion--convincingly and dramatically--propelling the film to its next even more sensational episode.

HIs mother is not simply a "lady who lunches." Although she does but with a very sinister twist. Yet all those interviewed seem to be making an effort to be sincere due to their love for the victim and the filmmaker. The veneer everyone presents is very convincing. Then that's exploded by the next interview. The police (surreptitiously taped) become frustrating in the casual pursuit of the solving the crime. It all puts the viewer in a state of conflict since we're used to looking for the one "bad guy" who committed the crime. We're given a very clear picture of some very flawed people who are trying their best to move on.

I had to step in here because people make garbage reviews based off watching only a few minutes. Episode 1 does start slow but there's a reason for that and if you watch the 2nd episode you understand why. We don't choose our parents y'all. It's kinda unfair to say "I can't watch this because he grew up privileged". It's actually a refreshing twist on most true crime doc's with the son of the murder victim being the one asking all the questions, and half the time, it's the first time anyone has asked them these questions (Police really seemed to have dropped the ball on this investigation) while also learning things about his mother and his family that he never knew growing up. The pilot was enough for me to want to know a little more and EP.2 has really gripped me in and gave me more than I expected after the pilot. Don't be turned off by weird reviews. In the pilot you kinda think you already know who committed the murder but that quickly changes. I'm very interested to see how the rest of this doc plays out.

(I hate leaving reviews for an entire series before the series is finished but I had to with some of the things I was reading. I will come back after the series is over to leave a proper review. So far 8/10 but I'll leave a 9 to balance out some of weird reviews)

I'm sitting here at a loss trying to put into words how much this documentary series has impacted me. I don't know that I can adequately describe it. I have never seen anything like this series. I had to write a review to let others know to watch this masterful piece of work. There is such an emotional payoff but it will wreck you at the same time. At this point, I will watch anything that Madison Hamburg makes in the future. He is so gifted and talented and I'm astounded at how intimately he conveyed his pain and loss and brought the viewers into his family. The level of vulnerability and courage that took just astounded me. I can't wait to see what he does next.

My mother was the victim of a homicide. I think this is one of the most authentic and unique looks at the aftermath of murder that I've ever witnessed. Bravo.

"Murder on Middle Beach" (2020 release; 4 episodes of about 55 min. each) is a TV documentary mini-series regarding the murder of Barbara Hamburg. As Episode 1 "Mom's Dead" opens, it is "March 3, 2010", and the local TV reporter informs the viewers that a body was found on Middle Beach Rd., in Madison, CT. The body is of a 48 yr. old woman, Barbara Hamburg. We briefly hear of Barbara's mother, sister, and her son Madison (who wrote, produced and directed this mini-series). We then go to "2013 Three Years After the Murder" and Madison is talking to his dad (Barbara's ex-husband), who confesses that "She had a life I had no idea she had"... At this point we are 10 min. into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: Madison Hamburg makes his feature length debut with this very personal look back to his mom's life and times, and yes, murder. While Episode 1 contains the usual "happy" memories of the couple's early years including the birth of their 2 children, it becomes also clear that several things just feel off (check the ex-husband's 2013 comment I mentioned, for starters). The opening episode is not only surprisingly plot-heavy almost from the get-go, but it also feels very dark, as if a lot more bad stuff is going to be revealed to us the viewers. Of course I'm not going to spoil anything, just watch! This feels like a labor of love from the son, who has spent years (literally) on this project. I must say that this opening episode drew me in almost immediately, and I can't wait to see how it's all going to play out in the remaining three episodes. Must-see true crime TV!

"Murder on Middle Beach" premiered this weekend on HBO and Episode 1 is now available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. New episodes air Sunday evenings at 10 pm Eastern. If you are a fan of true crime or simply love a documentary well made, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.