8 documentaries to watch after Netflix’s This Is The Zodiac Speaking

The Zodiac Killer remains a frightening figure in American criminal history, famous for his chilling murders and enigmatic ciphers that have captivated the public. Its story, which began in the late 1960s with the deaths of at least five known victims, has inspired countless representations in the media. New documentary series from Netflix, This is the Zodiac speakingquickly rose to the top of the platform’s charts, demonstrating the continued fascination with the unsolved case of the Zodiac Killer.

Directed by Phil Lott and Ari Mark, this three-part series centers on prime suspect Arthur Leigh Allen, echoing themes from David Fincher’s acclaimed film. Zodiac. This renewed interest in the Zodiac murders opens the door for viewers to explore more compelling documentaries that delve into chilling details and psychological insights from other cases, providing a richer understanding of the 20th century’s most notorious criminals.

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The Menéndez brothers

The two brothers who killed their abusive parents

Following the exciting narrative of This is the Zodiac speakingtrue crime enthusiasts will find The Menéndez brothers a compelling next watch, offering a deeply personal look at a case that shocked America. Directed by Alejandro Hartmann, this documentary offers unprecedented access to Lyle and Erik Menendez, who share their story directly through prison audio interviews.

For the first time in nearly three decades, the brothers discuss the motivations behind their actions, allowing viewers to grapple with the complexities of their circumstances. This new perspective invites a deeper understanding of the factors that led to his drastic decisions. In addition to the brothers’ narratives, the documentary features insights from jurors, family members and legal professionals involved in the case, creating a multifaceted exploration of the trial that captivated the nation.

The film revisits key moments from the 1989 case through archival footage and highlights the painful truths of the abuse the brothers suffered. By juxtaposing his tragic past with the legal ramifications of his actions, The Menéndez brothers not only sheds light on the complexities of family dynamics but it also challenges viewers to reflect on the intersection of trauma and justice.

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Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes

Milwaukee’s infamous serial killer

Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes stands out as a pivotal exploration of one of America’s most notorious serial killers, providing viewers with a disturbing but compelling look into the mind of Jeffrey Dahmer. Created by Joe Berlinger, this three-part documentary series uses archival audio footage of Dahmer’s incarceration to unravel the complexities of his horrific crimes, including murder, dismemberment and cannibalism.

By examining the psychological nuances of Dahmer’s psyche, the series raises important discussions about the factors that allowed such a predatory figure to operate under the radar for yearsspecifically in the context of the Milwaukee gay scene. Additionally, the documentary series confronts systemic issues related to law enforcement and social prejudices, questioning how Dahmer managed to evade detection despite a previous conviction for sexual assault.

Interviews with key figures involved in the case, including Dahmer’s defense attorney, shed light on the failures of the judicial system and police accountability at that time. By placing Dahmer’s personal narrative with broader social implications, the series not only captivates audiences with its chilling content, but also promotes a deeper understanding of the social factors that can enable such heinous acts.

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Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter

A woman seeks answers about her biological daughter

Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter offers a moving look at Cathy Terkanian’s heartbreaking quest to find her missing daughter, Aundria Bowman, who has been missing for 21 years. This two-part docu-series highlights Terkanian’s emotional journey as she connects with Aundria’s friends and online detectivesshowing how far a mother will go to get her son back.

Through her quest, the series reveals the power of community in handling cold cases and emphasizes the unyielding instincts of a mother driven by love and loss. The documentary also touches on troubling themes of domestic violence and neglect, illustrating the harsh reality of Aundria’s upbringing.

Through personal accounts from friends and witnesses, the series sheds light on the grim conditions she faced at home. By amplifying these stories, In the fire encourages others affected by similar experiences to come forward and share their narrativespromoting greater awareness of the need for surveillance in cases of missing persons. This documentary series serves as a poignant reminder that the search for truth and justice requires collective effort and empathy.

5

Memoirs of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes

The terrible British serial killer

Memoirs of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes is a chilling true crime documentary that investigates the life and crimes of Dennis Nilsen, a Scottish serial killer active from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Confessing to the murders of 15 young people, Nilsen’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of 1980s Britain, where many vulnerable individuals sought refuge in London amid rising unemployment.

The documentary features over 250 hours of Nilsen’s private audio recordingsalong with interviews with police officers, journalists, survivors and bereaved families, providing a comprehensive insight into his disturbing psyche and the consequences of his actions. This documentary is worth watching as it offers a rare and intimate look into Nilsen’s thoughts and motivations through his own recordings, shedding light on the complexities of his character.

It serves as a reminder of the social conditions that contributed to his heinous crimes, highlighting the vulnerabilities of those who fell victim to him. By gathering personal testimonies and historical context, Memoirs of a killer not only recounts the chilling events, but also emphasizes the need for vigilance and awareness of the factors that can lead to such tragedies, making it an engaging and educational viewing experience.

4

Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case

The truth about the murder of an Argentine teenager

Breaking the Silence: The Maria Soledad Case is a compelling Netflix documentary that examines the brutal murder of 17-year-old Maria Soledad Morales in 1990a case that became a catalyst for national outrage in Argentina. After a party in San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Maria was kidnapped by her boyfriend, Luis Tula, and handed over to a group of men, including Guillermo Luque, the son of a prominent politician.

Her body was discovered three days later, revealing signs of rape, serious injuries and evidence of a cocaine overdose, marking this as the first murder in Argentina officially recognized as a femicide. This documentary investigates the social and political ramifications of the tragic death of Maria Soledad, who sparked widespread protests and media coverage across Argentina.

By highlighting the systemic issues surrounding violence against women and political corruption, the film not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in Argentine history, but also emphasizes the urgent need for social change. There is also a noteworthy focus on the ongoing fight against gender-based violence.

3

Night Stalker: the hunt for a serial killer

The terror installed by Richard Ramirez in the Los Angeles metropolitan area

Night Stalker: the hunt for a serial killer is a gripping four-part documentary series that chronicles the terror unleashed by Richard Ramirez, known as the Night Stalker, who brutally murdered at least 14 people in the Greater Los Angeles area during 1984-85. Directed by Tiller Russell and James Carroll, the series offers a unique perspective by focusing on the voices of survivors, police officers and journalists, rather than just Ramirez himself.

Detective Gil Carrillo, alongside his partner Frank Salerno, provides a personal narrative as they recount their tireless investigation into the Night Stalker’s heinous crimes. This documentary is worth watching because it not only sheds light on the investigative process but also humanizes victims and detectives work tirelessly to solve the case.

While some may find the production a bit tabloid, the series emphasizes the emotional impact of the investigators, especially Carrillo, whose family has faced threats as a result of his work. By highlighting both the brutality of Ramirez’s crimes and the resilience of the victims and their families, Night Stalker serves as a chilling reminder of the impact of violence and the dedication of those who seek justice.

2

Monsters Within: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan

The first major criminal case of a person diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder

Monsters Within: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan is a compelling 2021 documentary series that delves into the life of Billy Milligan, who, after being arrested in 1977 for a series of robberies, kidnappings, and rapes on the Ohio State University campus, became a central figure in discussions surrounding mental health and criminal responsibility. Despite the evidence against him, Milligan claimed to have no memory of the crimes, leading to a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder (DID).

His legal team argued that two of his ten identified personalities committed the acts without his knowledge, resulting in his acquittal and subsequent years spent in psychiatric hospitals, where he developed additional identities. This docu-series not only explores the complexities of Milligan’s case, but also raises important questions about the intersection of mental health and the justice system.

Through interviews with mental health professionals, family members and legal experts, viewers gain insight into the challenges of diagnosing and treating individuals with DID. The series captures the public’s fascination with Milligan’s story and the broader implications for how society views mental illness, making it a thought-provoking examination of a notorious case that remains relevant in discussions about criminal justice and mental health today.

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The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman

One of the biggest scammers in UK history

The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman is a gripping 2022 docu-series that investigates notorious British con artist Robert Hendy-Freegard, who manipulated his victims through elaborate lies and coercive control tactics. The three-part series features first-hand accounts, including that of Sarah Smith, who unwittingly joined Hendy-Freegard on a decade-long journey marked by deceit and emotional abuse.

Claiming to be an undercover MI5 agent, Hendy-Freegard instilled fear in his victimscausing them to abandon their families and financial security. This documentary series is an unflinching exploration of coercive control and the psychological mechanisms that can make even the most rational individuals vulnerable to manipulation.

Through compelling stories and the courage of those who share their experiences, The puppet master not only reveals the depth of Hendy-Freegard’s deception, but also serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting how easily reality can be distorted under the influence of a skilled manipulator. This makes it both chilling and enlightening, not unlike the story woven in This is the Zodiac Speaking.