American Nightmare

As Episode 1 of "American Nightmare" (2024 release; 3 episodes of about 45 min.) opens, we are introduced to Aaron and Denise, a couple in their late 20s in Vallejo, CA. Then shockingly, Denise is kidnapped in the middle of the night, and Aaron doesn't call 911 until the next afternoon... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from director Felicity Morris ("The Tinder Swindler"). Here she reassess events from 2015 when a woman is kidnapped (or was she?), and the boyfriend is an immediate suspect by the Vallejo PD and the FBI. I had not heard of this true crime case before, and it is super plot heavy, so the less said on that, the better. I will simply comment that once again if this was presented as fiction, it would lack credibility. But facts are stranger than fiction. Morris does an outstanding job presenting all the different aspects, and doesn't waste a second. My only complaint is the series' title, which is unnecessarily generic and surely someone could've come up with something more relevant.

"American Nightmare" started streaming on Netflix a few days ago. I watched all 3 episodes in a single setting. If you are in the mood for a kidnapping case that is bizarre, to say the least, but along the way makes for riveting viewing, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

This was an eye-opening experience for me. At the beginning you think the authorities are doing a good job and coming to valid conclusions, and you agree with the conclusions. Then things change.

The organization of the documentary and the editing make so good. The way it is presented keeps you interested to the point that you will most likely binge it. It is hard to turn it off.

In the end one person who is sincere and so admirable for understanding the responsibility entrusted by the public saves the day. And the integrity and stalwartness of this person flood you with a warm and grateful feeling.

Loved this absolutely.

Wow dude. This shocking doc. Is NOT what I thought it initially appeared to be. This true crime doc has 3 eps; not too long, is a mystery about the abduction of Denis Huskins that told in a way that almost sounds Outlandish.

The story is told from different perspectives in each episode and after each, you're likely to jump into conclusions as some of the folks on this show do (anything more and I might end up spoiling it for you. All I can say is, I wish people did their job. I'm shocked but at the same time, I'm like 'Why am I not surprised!?' This horrific story is totally worth your watch but also serves as a cautionary tale.

Really great series, short and to the point. No unnecessary filler like so many of the newer true crime docs that have been flooded out onto the streaming services the last few years. I don't remember hearing about this story so it was all new to me and extremely interesting. If these true crime series have taught me anything it's that you need to get a lawyer immediately whenever you're talking to police and that the police very rarely want to do any work. Hopefully now that this is out the police officers and fbi agents involved are fully held responsible for their actions. Their treatment of the victims in the video footage they released was truly disgusting.

This documentary was very intriguing.

The slow start, the presentaion of events and the unbelievable stories led me to thinking, yep this is a Gone Girl copy but for real!

I vaguely remember the story but not the outcome.

The way the couple were individually shown in both police interviews and even the Netflix interviews truly sounded like the kidnapping was not true and actually bizarre.

I placed trust in the police investigation as that has been my point of truth but now find I need remove my bias and think more carefully about jumping to conclusions.

Watch this and draw your own conclusions.