Last Looks

Last Looks was a true crime docuseries that gained its fair share of attention when it debuted on Quibi in 2020. The 20-episode series was produced by Refinery29 and is hosted by actress Dakota Fanning.

In true crime fashion, Last Looks delves into the flashy, high-profile, and often scandal-ridden world of Hollywood to shed light on some remarkably grim and largely untold tales. What sets this true crime series apart from others is its specific focus on the intersecting paths of fashion, society, and crime.

The series is all about taking a detailed investigative approach to explore the fashion industry's role in some of the most notorious crimes and generally ominous events in Hollywood. In Last Looks, it's all about the crimes that have gripped the world of fashion and Hollywood's elite, taking an in-depth look at events that reveal the darker side of the glamour and glitz.

Dakota Fanning, known for her roles in The Alienist and Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood, is the narrator and host of Last Looks. No rosy Hollywood tale herself, she does an impressive job of leading the audience through a web of mystifying events to reveal the sordid truth behind them. Her approachable persona and laid-back style make the grim journey somewhat more enjoyable.

Apart from revealing the obscure details about each case, Last Looks also uses its platform to highlight the systematic issues ingrained in the fashion and entertainment industry, providing the audience with a unique perspective on the impact these industries have on society.

The series features in-depth interviews with investigators, victims' families, and other individuals closely related to each case, which adds an exclusive form of authenticity and first-hand connection. Each episode ranges from 5 minutes to 8 minutes, faithfully sticking to Quibi's quick-bite strategy, making it easier for viewers to fit an episode into a busy lifestyle.

A couple of fascinating cases highlighted in Last Looks include the fatal shooting of model Linda Sobek by renowned photographer Charles Rathbun, the mysterious death of fashion writer Christa Worthington, and the infamous "Bling Ring" jewelry break-ins, to mention a few.

The show expertly weaves in retired private investigator Bill Kurtis’ interview footage, combined with 3D animations, visual effects, and CSI-like imagery to help reconstruct the crime scene and provide a comprehensive outlook. This makes for an interactive and immersive experience for the viewers, as they are drawn into the thrilling world of true crime where glamour, fame, and fashion intertwine.

While some of the crimes included in the series have been previously highlighted in other documentaries or movies, Last Looks manages to bring a fresh perspective to the proceedings, integrating an insightful lesson about the effects of society's idolization of fashion and glamour, and the grim consequences that might be lurking right under the surface.

Last Looks is aware of the trope of beauty hiding darkness, which it utilizes extremely well. It powerfully illustrates the beastliness behind the beauty of the industry, skillfully focusing on both the crimes that have been committed and the victims who've fared the worst because of them.

Of course, no true-crime docuseries is perfect and there are moments in the series that feels almost too sensational or perhaps slightly overdone, leaning towards theatrics intended to dramatize rather than factual representation. However, these elements may just be meant to maintain the liveliness of the series.

In conclusion, Last Looks is all about revealing the melodrama of reality. It is an unusual kind of true-crime series because of its sheer determination to dive into the intersection of crime, fashion, and Hollywood high society. The show is brutal in its honesty and goes past the idea of simple storytelling to convey hard-hitting truths, making it a very intriguing choice for anyone who enjoys docuseries, true crime, or simply getting a behind-the-scenes peek at the world of fashion and Hollywood.