The fact that our memory is not always reliable has often been proven by various studies. Seeing photos or hearing stories from others, can influence us so we can recall certain events that were different in reality or did not happen at all. In Iceland in 1974, two men disappeared without trace just month from each other. It kept the country, with a relatively small population, busy for months. Who was responsible for this and why had no one been arrested? The police were under pressure and eventually arrested six people. They were held for a long time, interrogate under a lot of pressure, until they finally broke and made incriminating statements. They did so while they had no clear memory that they might have committed a murder. Yet they were all convicted.
This documentary looks at this controversial case and the people involved, both the police and the convicts themselves. Through interviews you can hear how they have experienced it all. This is supported by beautifully shot images that evoke a lot of atmosphere and transport you to the seventies, bringing it all to life. This allows you to understand what was happening at the time, what the police did to close the case, but also what the effects were on the six convicts. The documentary has a number of moments that could have been more clearly structured, but it is ultimately a film that is very well made.
Out of Thin Air is available through Netflix
