As someone who didn't know anything about this story I think this Netflix documentary is well made, doesn't deserve all of the 1 star ratings. 3 parts went by so fast with this unbelievable story. Could have some other choices been made by the kids? Of course. Unfortunately with the death of Mallory Beach all of the other secrets, deaths, lies and cover ups started to unravel. The only dissapointment is that the deaths of Stephen Smith and the death of the housekeeper weren't explored enough and that the trial of Alex Murdaugh for the murder of his son Paul and his wife has only began so there is no closure. I guess we will have to wait years for it. I hope all of the victims receive some kind of justice.
22 Reviews
All based on the work of Mandy Matney
cshowalter-094044 November 2022
Everything and I mean everything in this is based off the hard uncredited work of Mandy Matney, the uncredited "local" reporter. Note local as this is meant to be a slam on to discredit her, all the while they took all of her work to make this documentary work. It is amazing that people who are not from the area and really don't know the area and people come in and instead of working with the local reporter who broke the story to start with, they think they know better. They are smarter and are superior to the "local" reporter. Way to take all of her hard work and profit from it. It is sad to say the least.
Worth watching
rrjpwsbq25 February 2023
Interesting and worthwhile documentary. You can tell which reviewers didn't watch because they're complaining about how to pronounce "Alex." He clearly states he goes by "Alec." Maybe pay attention to what you're reviewing. Just a thought.
It'll be interesting to see where this case goes. I'm assuming there will be further episodes as events play out. But even if this is all we get, the news has been all over this story. I'm sure it will only get more interesting.
It will also be interesting to see what happens to Mallory's friends. It's heartbreaking to watch as they recount their stories, but you can't help but admire them for their courage. Their parents can be proud of them.
It'll be interesting to see where this case goes. I'm assuming there will be further episodes as events play out. But even if this is all we get, the news has been all over this story. I'm sure it will only get more interesting.
It will also be interesting to see what happens to Mallory's friends. It's heartbreaking to watch as they recount their stories, but you can't help but admire them for their courage. Their parents can be proud of them.
Spoiler Alert
dailyraceratings19 June 2022
Why do people feel the need to post the end result before someone has watched it? Maybe they don't get what a review is supposed to be. There's even an option after typing their review to say if it contains a spoiler. Some people have no regard for others. You're reviewing the programme not the case.
Not bad, just slow.
cb_whitewood17 April 2023
I liked how this docuseries was produced, in that the episodes keep you hooked and the visual accompaniments were realistic. I didn't know much about this pocket of true crime, either, and was more invested in everything AFTER the boat accident rather than during/before. Having accounts from the victims was also compelling, but confused me at times since names and relations weren't always shown.
Overall, I think this series is a nice time-killer, and isn't too dark to be a casual watch with other true crime junkies. I'm not sure if this will get a continuation, though, so updates to this case might end up coming from other series and sources.
Overall, I think this series is a nice time-killer, and isn't too dark to be a casual watch with other true crime junkies. I'm not sure if this will get a continuation, though, so updates to this case might end up coming from other series and sources.
Those who know, know.
deebeepow23 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This family has a well documented history of corruption that goes way back to before Paul and Bubba were born. Before Alex was born. This, sadly is an all too American story.
Citizens should be so lucky to find out all the many more people in positions of power with financial pull in towns like this one, who systemically and consistently get away with crimes who should be exposed like this family has!
This is a story about unchallenged power. An all too cautionary tale about children who grow up in an already assumed role, and who probably never had a chance.
I don't think Paul was a kid who make the best decisions. But of them all, he had the best chance of becoming a responsible human being, more like his mom. It's sad that his dad chose to take them both.
Citizens should be so lucky to find out all the many more people in positions of power with financial pull in towns like this one, who systemically and consistently get away with crimes who should be exposed like this family has!
This is a story about unchallenged power. An all too cautionary tale about children who grow up in an already assumed role, and who probably never had a chance.
I don't think Paul was a kid who make the best decisions. But of them all, he had the best chance of becoming a responsible human being, more like his mom. It's sad that his dad chose to take them both.
Interesting Documentary, Mid Story
Sarah42324 February 2023
The negative:
I knew nothing of these murders and would like to know how the story ends. (Do documentaries have season two's?)
---
The positive: Producers did a good job of interviews with interesting townspeople as well as selecting pertinent research information to tuck in between.
And the eyewitnesses sold it for me. They are the ones who saw the family collapsing and who know the local culture and tone from years past.
---
Not sure why people would give this only one star.
It's a true crime doc, well taped and edited. Nothing more or less.
The situation itself is too broad to pick one "plot" line. This serves as an overview and introduction.
A watchable presentation, overall.
---
The positive: Producers did a good job of interviews with interesting townspeople as well as selecting pertinent research information to tuck in between.
And the eyewitnesses sold it for me. They are the ones who saw the family collapsing and who know the local culture and tone from years past.
---
Not sure why people would give this only one star.
It's a true crime doc, well taped and edited. Nothing more or less.
The situation itself is too broad to pick one "plot" line. This serves as an overview and introduction.
A watchable presentation, overall.
Average. More info from HBO documentary
girlweye25 February 2023
This barely scratched the surface of the Murdaugh story in 3 episodes. Are there more episodes to be dropped later? Because the third episode ended like it was hinting more was coming: Alex on the phone from jail asking Buster if there was a Netflix taping. It felt cliffhanger-esque but from what I find there's nothing more. This Netflix series didn't tell us anything we didn't already know, and did not go into the depth of the other murders like HBO did. The HBO documentary is SO much more in depth. There were a couple of interesting tidbits here that weren't in the HBO version, but nothing earth shattering. It's like Netflix was late to the game. Overall a dud for those who were already following the story.
Oh Hey Let's Cash In!!
helenahandbasket-9373422 February 2023
This is so drawn out, filled with pointless familial tidbits, nonsense, and weird accusations and diagnoses from people with no business casting aspersions on others without looking seriously within themselves.
Most annoying is the kids in this- no longer children but certainly trying to look as innocent as possible- so much of this is dumb teen behavior (drinking to excess, behaving badly) and while they're all in the same group of friends and all behaving incredibly poorly, somehow it's all Paul and his issues and the rest are all innocent victims of Paul's behavior? I'm quite certain Paul wasn't forcing anyone to imbibe, board the boat/get in the vehicle/participate in stupid behavior, but none of these people were able to say no and walk away. Why? We don't know because nobody will acknowledge the obvious, and money apparently causes you to overlook irresponsible behavior, stupidity and insane amounts of alcohol.
Regardless of Paul's inability to hear the word 'no', absolutely no one forced any of these people to indulge time after time after time, and they were certainly capable of turning around, walking away, and cutting ties to someone with zero ability to be accountable to anyone else. Had no one gotten into the boat and stayed at the bars (which they were obviously far too young to be in) I'm quite sure a parent would have come to their rescue. But again, money makes these people overlook the most obnoxious behavior, throw all caution aside, and 'ALL ABOARD!!', we're subjected to listening to a lot of insufferable excuses for pretending these people weren't responsible for their poor choices and the death of a friend.
Make no mistake that the Murdoch family is a reprehensible amalgamation of privilege and abhorrent behavior gone unchecked, but people don't get to that position in life without many others looking away, making excuses, and going along for the ride because as long as they're on the right side, it's a fun ride!
Stop making this nonsense, we've had enough of every single one of these people standing there with a hand out to profit off their poor life choices.
Most annoying is the kids in this- no longer children but certainly trying to look as innocent as possible- so much of this is dumb teen behavior (drinking to excess, behaving badly) and while they're all in the same group of friends and all behaving incredibly poorly, somehow it's all Paul and his issues and the rest are all innocent victims of Paul's behavior? I'm quite certain Paul wasn't forcing anyone to imbibe, board the boat/get in the vehicle/participate in stupid behavior, but none of these people were able to say no and walk away. Why? We don't know because nobody will acknowledge the obvious, and money apparently causes you to overlook irresponsible behavior, stupidity and insane amounts of alcohol.
Regardless of Paul's inability to hear the word 'no', absolutely no one forced any of these people to indulge time after time after time, and they were certainly capable of turning around, walking away, and cutting ties to someone with zero ability to be accountable to anyone else. Had no one gotten into the boat and stayed at the bars (which they were obviously far too young to be in) I'm quite sure a parent would have come to their rescue. But again, money makes these people overlook the most obnoxious behavior, throw all caution aside, and 'ALL ABOARD!!', we're subjected to listening to a lot of insufferable excuses for pretending these people weren't responsible for their poor choices and the death of a friend.
Make no mistake that the Murdoch family is a reprehensible amalgamation of privilege and abhorrent behavior gone unchecked, but people don't get to that position in life without many others looking away, making excuses, and going along for the ride because as long as they're on the right side, it's a fun ride!
Stop making this nonsense, we've had enough of every single one of these people standing there with a hand out to profit off their poor life choices.
Very Disappointing
cdeanroane19 June 2022
The deaths and murders covered in these 3 episodes have been covered before other real crime shows usually in one spisode. This was disappointing in the number of people who gave their opinions on what they think happened, with not much actual police giving their imput. After watching all 3 spisodes you still do not have a conclusion as the only person charged but not actually involved directly in all the muders is sitting in jail as he does not have the money to pay his bond, and has not gone to trail. Might havre had more impack if this not aired until the court cases had finished were finished as to what he is actually convicted of!
I'll save you the trouble of watching...
geddzik24 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There is no resolution to any of the criminal activity discussed in this show. You watch a lot of drama hoping someone will be held accountable for these deaths and by the end of the series there is still no outcome. I feel bad for the family of poor Mallory, seems like they were the only ones who legitimately cared. Also, is the guy's name ALEX OR ALEC because everything says Alex but everyone says Alec. Terrible family. Don't waste your time and don't give Netflix any satisfaction of watching another one of their junket documentaries like I sadly did. Just read the reviews. They'll tell you everything you need to know without wasting your time.
Too soon....
elhonig-902-12989626 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This was a documentary about the infamous Murdaugh murder case, with the father currently on trial. The documentary is really sort of an introduction to the murder trial, with the events and incidents leading up to the murder of the wife and younger son of Alex Murdaugh, the alleged killer. The Murdaugh family was wealthy, and powerful in the community. The documentary attempts to show that the family has been implicated in several other deaths in recent years,and has avoided prosecution all this time. The problem with this film is that it seems to have been rushed out the door by Netflix far too soon, and lacks the kind of depth a story like this deserves. I would guess when someone waits for the end of the trial, and does a lot more research, this could be way more interesting.
Why does Netflix keep doing this?
Rude_fish3 March 2023
Netflix constantly keeps pumping out what could be a super interesting documentaries but instead it constantly drags them out way too long.
They started this show with a high pace spoiler of what's going to happen, why?! For those that don't know the story it's just ruined half the twists and turns the story will take...
Then the whole first episode, it spends the next 40 minutes going over exactly what it just told us happened, but now much slower...
This had some interesting bits (as someone that didn't know anything about the story), but I just wish Netflix could sort out the pacing of their documentaries and move things along a bit quicker... I watched a YouTube video on the same thing afterwards and it was more interesting and engaging and got all the info in (and more) in 1 30 minute video...
They started this show with a high pace spoiler of what's going to happen, why?! For those that don't know the story it's just ruined half the twists and turns the story will take...
Then the whole first episode, it spends the next 40 minutes going over exactly what it just told us happened, but now much slower...
This had some interesting bits (as someone that didn't know anything about the story), but I just wish Netflix could sort out the pacing of their documentaries and move things along a bit quicker... I watched a YouTube video on the same thing afterwards and it was more interesting and engaging and got all the info in (and more) in 1 30 minute video...
How to guarantee a mistrial
johnbaggs16 July 2022
So, the guy hasn't even been to trial and this show is created to do what exactly?
I guess so much for letting the justice system work.
Congrats idiots, you've just guaranteed this guy a mistrial. So if by chance he is guilty, he's going free thanks to you clowns.
Great job.
I guess so much for letting the justice system work.
Congrats idiots, you've just guaranteed this guy a mistrial. So if by chance he is guilty, he's going free thanks to you clowns.
Great job.
Not right for television
flejklw25 February 2023
I think with the introduction of a courtroom channel which shows endless cases that are brought before a judge, this concept, angle that netflix has chosen for me is not in good taste and is not for television.
So in this instance, there are a group of teenagers, all underage drinkers and it all goes horribly wrong. This situation could have been avoided, the said boat driver was known to be unstable, I am sure that this occurrence has been keeping a huge number of families up at night, in their same and roundabout circumstances around the world.
The in-depth personal interviews with the " survivors " for me was only for television and went on far too long. The strength of Mallory's parents should have only made the screen due to the outcome, and everything they went through.
The issues with the Murdaugh's, yes of course, was the main emphasis of the " show ", but unfortunately it is a show, the way netflix co-ordinate this mini-series is far too glammed up for me, the seriousness of what is a very complex situation around a corrupt family should have stayed with professional reporters.
So in this instance, there are a group of teenagers, all underage drinkers and it all goes horribly wrong. This situation could have been avoided, the said boat driver was known to be unstable, I am sure that this occurrence has been keeping a huge number of families up at night, in their same and roundabout circumstances around the world.
The in-depth personal interviews with the " survivors " for me was only for television and went on far too long. The strength of Mallory's parents should have only made the screen due to the outcome, and everything they went through.
The issues with the Murdaugh's, yes of course, was the main emphasis of the " show ", but unfortunately it is a show, the way netflix co-ordinate this mini-series is far too glammed up for me, the seriousness of what is a very complex situation around a corrupt family should have stayed with professional reporters.
Pronunciation is key to credibility!
rkwalters6615 July 2022
So disappointing! Do these people not do their homework?? Is it "Alex" or "Alec", "Murdaugh" or "Murdaoch", I would think the reporter would at least get the pronunciation correct! Who are these "experts", "Hampton Native" aka busy body?
Pfft
pranesh-3416328 February 2023
This is possibly the lamest documentary in any catalogue. People just droning on about things that could be summed up five minutes. So there are a bunch of childish grown up young individuals who behave like monkeys after a marula fruit binge. And then blah, blah blah. Rich, powerful people who are corrupt - who would have thought. Most boring 'real" events that do not merit moving pictures. There are lines and lines of boring text on the internet and that's where it should have stopped. This show must have been cheap to make. Pity the jury who have sit through all the banality. I'd be watching how many doze off.
Very poorly done documentary
brittanicolephoto3 April 2024
It's very clear even in the first episode that the people detailing the night of the boating accident are extremely vague, and didn't do research on the witness statements after the crash. I suggest watching Southern Scandal, or Low Country, both are very informative, detailed, and truly capture the emotional toll that this accident had on the surving people involved. Starting off by saying the boat started speeding forward "for whatever the reason" is just sloppy writing and honestly disrespectful to those who were there and shared what happened. If you're going to make a documentary at least gather the information. The general attitude these "experts" were sharing towards the whole situation left a bad taste for me personally, especially after knowing the details they skimmed bye.
Meh
chris_rowe-881-1688207 April 2023
Watched this and first thought was this is a 90 min show maximum, all the pretty shots and pointless side characters just pad out and glamorise what was a ridiculous story yet again that really didn't need telling other than the premise that it shames white people.
Was this done out of respect of the poor young girl or guy that were brutally killed? Or were they just footnotes in a pointless story about how an arrogant rich white guy has done horrible things and made a family who do equally bad things.
The only interesting thing was do you have ever remote sympathy for a murderous kid or wife who helped cover up things including the housekeepers death and the answer is no, ironically he should've been rewarded for that the only sadness was he was too weak to take himself out there and then.
He defrauded so many people and at best people will get money back but their suffering of loss has no value.
It feels a desperate reach to try and make an uninteresting man who did bad things to be important but this doc feels a bit bland I guess for anyone who isn't involved or American.
Was this done out of respect of the poor young girl or guy that were brutally killed? Or were they just footnotes in a pointless story about how an arrogant rich white guy has done horrible things and made a family who do equally bad things.
The only interesting thing was do you have ever remote sympathy for a murderous kid or wife who helped cover up things including the housekeepers death and the answer is no, ironically he should've been rewarded for that the only sadness was he was too weak to take himself out there and then.
He defrauded so many people and at best people will get money back but their suffering of loss has no value.
It feels a desperate reach to try and make an uninteresting man who did bad things to be important but this doc feels a bit bland I guess for anyone who isn't involved or American.
OMG! Why tell the story over and over and over again
blairhanna-9067730 April 2024
I don't need to watch this show to know what it's about. It has been told twice in already by 2 different networks in 45 minutes. Then by Discovery in a docuseries, now by Netflix in their docuseries. The bigger crime I see here is that the local reporter who covered the murders is not being used. The 2 big networks are trying to make millions on telling the same story in there own ways. This is how the rich get richer and the poor remain poor.
You don't have to believe me. Watch the show that was on discovery for 2 seasons. Then watch this one on Netflix. It is an absolute disgrace that these companies are doing this.
You don't have to believe me. Watch the show that was on discovery for 2 seasons. Then watch this one on Netflix. It is an absolute disgrace that these companies are doing this.
Cry babies
timothyrobertcooke19 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A bunch of kids, who still can't bear any responsibility for their actions. All these kids knew what Paul was like, but none of them did anything about it. If a guy I knew slapped his girlfriend I wouldn't stand by and say nothing, but the other guys on the boat did nothing. Too many crocodile tears, and no resolution to anything. What happened to the lawyer who was hired to investigate Mallorey's death? About 2 mins on screen and then that was it. What happened with the lawyer after? Netflix needs to get better and have resolutions to series. Not open ended hearsay. What happened the any cops?
It does deserve the low ratings
onze-kris28 February 2023
In the 2015 death ... the story is run in a newspaper. They show covid deaths top 1 million.
There are so many unrelated and fabricated scenes that it is almost comparable to watching a reenactment of an alien abduction, This deters hugely of the horrible series of events that happened there.
Now I have to ramble to get the minimum words in.
At this point not one documentary on murders has been worth watching.
Sure we are curious about what happened but and that is why we watch but really they don't add anything to what is already known.
I hope that the justice system in the USA will undergo serious changes. The system has allways enabled the rich.
And from time to time someone has to take a fall just because it is too much.
If Paul and Maggie weren't murdered... some other deaths would not have been looked at.
That probably is the most disturbing takeaway.
There are so many unrelated and fabricated scenes that it is almost comparable to watching a reenactment of an alien abduction, This deters hugely of the horrible series of events that happened there.
Now I have to ramble to get the minimum words in.
At this point not one documentary on murders has been worth watching.
Sure we are curious about what happened but and that is why we watch but really they don't add anything to what is already known.
I hope that the justice system in the USA will undergo serious changes. The system has allways enabled the rich.
And from time to time someone has to take a fall just because it is too much.
If Paul and Maggie weren't murdered... some other deaths would not have been looked at.
That probably is the most disturbing takeaway.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
