Wisconsin has never really stood out for being a hotbed of injustice, but that all changed in December. For the past month the internet has been in a craze over “Making a Murderer.”
The 10-part Netflix Original documents the story of Steven Avery and his battle with the Wisconsin criminal justice system. The buzz is for good reason. “Making a Murderer” is a perfect storm that seeps drama and twists. But amid its huge success the series has been the subject of various criticisms for its portrayal of the case.
In a lot of ways “Making a Murderer” may as well be perfect. It seems to hold nothing back, showing its viewers the harsh world Steven Avery journeyed through – past and present. Sometimes heartfelt and cringe-worthy, the viewer can expect to feel fully immersed in every last detail presented. Not only this but viewers can expect to be on the edge of their seats. The twists and turns taken make the real life case seem like a mystery that could be fiction. The creators really hit a jack pot with this story as it takes so many different directions over its course and having the reactions of those personally involved makes for a rollercoaster of emotions.
The series also has a way of making its viewers feel like they have to figure it out themselves. The details of the case come just in the order that everyone on the screen got them. It gives the feeling like watching live news with new details constantly streaming in, leaving the audience to process it all for themselves.
Additionally, amidst a story of injustice and pain, the creators are able to show some silver linings. While the audience will be familiar with the “villains” of this tale, they will get to know the people who really look out for Steven Avery and truthfully stand by him. The whole ordeal is very dark but these few people are presented in the perfect light as they break through that and show a much lighter side.
Despite its success, the documentary has been subject to some harsh criticism. It is clear that the documentary has a bias. The filmmakers do not seem to hide that they side with Avery as they not only interview, but come into the lives of his family. While it still seems extremely genuine, one of the biggest accusations has been that certain details were not mentioned. Apparently details that would be incriminating to Avery were never mentioned in the documentary leading to some critics to question the validity of the work.
Even with these criticisms in mind, “Making a Murderer” is a labor of love that took 10 years to create, and it shows. It is so captivating that the 10 or so hour investment will seem like nothing. Not only this but it creates an interesting dialogue about criminal justice and can be extremely educational as to how the system works. Overall, this is an investment well worth making.
