The Alcàsser Murders

Extremely chaotic documentary with illogical editing, jumps and repetitive facts that are difficult to follow.

The story itself is interesting, especially with the advent of trash media in the background. But the documentary drags on way too long and becomes boring and hard to watch.

The filmmakers also show themselves too often which detracts from the immersion.

Not recommended.

This was an interesting documentary and a bit different from what I've seen here in Sweden since most are american productions. My rating of 2 is based on the ending. I don't understand what #metoo has to do with all these years documenting an otherwise interesting and at the same time brutal and hideous murders. It's almost being insulting to all people involved and in the end including the viewers.

Any fan of crime documentaries will be frustrated by the complete lack of examining the lazy police work that was done for this case. No actual crime scene established by any thorough evidence, supposedly large pieces of evidence were switched by the perpetrators but they left a lot of other things obviously scattered to be found, lost or mishandled or re-found evidence, the magic non-dissolving paper, the crime photographer who couldn't be bothered to take pictures....wow. I feel sorry for Spanish citizens if this is still typical of a case.

At best - it appears the police rushed to shut this case which led to a lot of incompetence and perhaps some evidence planting. And it also appears that this documentary will be about this sloppiness when during the second episode a victim's father begins to question the case.

But then it goes off the rails. The majority of this documentary is about the sensationalism of the Spanish media as well as people in it for their own personal benefit. So-and-so said this on a show and so-and-so said that on another show. Three episodes mainly caught up in wild conspiracy theories makes for a long and uneven documentary.

It does get extra points for not disrespecting the victims with gory details that many crime stories do. However, that probably was not due to an ethical choice by the filmmakers, they were too preoccupied by the media sensationalism as well as ironically getting themselves into the film for some screen time.

And the bizarre rah-rah last two minutes showing Me. Too seemed like a last minute add-on for a confused documentary crew that didn't know how to end this with any solid conclusion.

It is difficult to tell a story like this one without being morbid and sensationalist and Netflix manages perfectly. It focuses on the horrible media circus that created this case in Spain back in the 90's. I was a kid back then and I still remember how this murders horrified the whole country. There a not cheap recreations or morbid details, just investigation about the trial and media coverage. Very interesting.

The Alcasser Murders is a fascinating case, especially considering the intense media attention at the time, which I think was a bit over the top given the era. However, the series itself feels clumsy in its execution. It jumps back and forth awkwardly between different time periods, then circles back again, which made it quite difficult for me to keep track of everything and piece the story together properly.

While the subject matter is compelling, the storytelling approach left me a bit frustrated and less engaged than I wanted to be.

If you're into true crime, it's still worth a look, but be prepared for a less smooth viewing experience compared to other series in the genre.