What is the reason that we have such an interest in crime in films and series? Is it the ‘shock value’ of what people are capable of or is the fascination deeper? Do we want to see if someone is really so different from ourselves, could we also do the same if we were in the same situation? When I saw the Netflix series I Am a Killer appear on the service, it seemed to me that it was mainly to sensationalise. A documentary series where you come face to face with the monsters the media describes them as. Yet the curiosity did dominate and I decided to watch.
In ten episodes, ten men are interviewed, each of whom has committed one or more murders and almost all of them are waiting for the death penalty. They all tell their side of the story. In addition relatives, police officers and lawyers talk about the case and what it has done to them. By means what happened is brought to life by recreating the situation.
I Am a Killer follows a format that works and gives the viewer insight into how someone came to his action. What is immediately noticeable is that almost all men grew up without strong role models. Some had to rely on theirselves at an early stage and therefore did not have a strong moral compass. Every case that is discussed is different. With some you may feel a certain kind of sympathy, but for example the first prisoner, James Robertson, it is clear that he’s capable of doing anything to achieve his goal and that he is an extreme danger for society. This series has sufficient nuance and never a sense of sensation. It makes you understand the views of both the sentenced and those left behind. It has fascinated me for a number of evenings and if you like true crime series it’s worth watching.
[score8]
Looks very interesting – thanks for the review