Making a Murderer

Making a Murderer is a gripping and thought-provoking true crime documentary series distributed by Netflix. It is the brainchild of filmmakers Moira Demos and Laura Ricciardi and first appeared on the streaming service in December 2015. Over the course of three years, 2015 to 2018, this series, which spans two seasons and 20 episodes, unfurls an intricate and unsettling narrative that continues to captivate the viewers' interest and initiate discussion on issues surrounding America's criminal justice system.

Set against the backdrop of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, Making a Murderer centers on Steven Avery, a man convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985. After spending 18 years in prison for a crime that he did not commit, Avery is exonerated in 2003 through the use of advanced DNA testing techniques, enabling, of course, his release from jail. The initial episodes delve deep into the Avery family history, societal dynamics within Manitowoc County, and the events leading up to Avery's 1985 conviction.

However, the plot thickens two years post-Avery's release. Just when viewers believe they have drawn consolidated opinions about the justice system, Avery is re-arrested and tried for the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach, a local photographer. The series then evolves to encapsulate Avery's contention that he has been set up by the county sheriff's department, igniting debates over police corruption, possible evidence tampering, and the potential for coercion during interrogations.

A prominent subplot pertains to Brendan Dassey, Avery's nephew, who becomes entangled in the case alongside his uncle. He's also convicted, largely based on a controversial confession, which he later rescinds. Broad sociopolitical and inherent bias themes surface through Brendan's narrative, striking at the heart of systemic issues pertaining to the treatment of minors, and those with intellectual challenges within the criminal justice system.

The second season, which premiered in 2018, continues the narrative but offers a fresh lens to view the case through an addition to the cast of characters. Avery's new defense attorney, Kathleen Zellner, known for her record-breaking number of exonerations, walks into the narrative with a determination to prove Avery's innocence. The episodes shadow Zellner as she painstakingly combs through evidence, identifying inconsistencies, and running new tests, creating a riveting legal chess match that further fuels the ambiguity of the case.

Making a Murderer paints a raw, comprehensive, and empathetic portrait of Avery and his family, making viewers not just observers but participants in their journey. The filmmakers employ a cinema verite style, including real footage, court transcripts, and personal interviews to build a sequential narrative that feels visceral and immediate. The series faithfully portrays the everyday struggles, legal battles, and emotional tribulations of the Avery family, in the process engendering demanding, critical questions about the American criminal justice system.

The series sparked worldwide dialogue surrounding issues about the fundamental notions of truth, justice, and equality. It also pointed out the limitations of the legal framework and how, sometimes, the small-town power dynamics coupled with investigative bias can culminate into the gross miscarriage of justice. The viewers are left to question the reliability of the justice system and explore the deeper inherent societal prejudices.

Critics and audiences worldwide lauded the show’s intense drama and the meticulous detail with which it treated the case. Post-release, the audience found the series to be a haunting exploration of systemic judicial inadequacies, and it maintained high viewer ratings throughout both seasons.

In conclusion, Making a Murderer is not just a documentary about a man and his legal struggles. It is a portrait of American society, an exposé of its justice system's pitfalls, and an examination of the impact one case can have on an individual, a family, and a community. It's a riveting show that resonates deeply with viewers and leaves a lasting impact long after the final credits roll.