#steven avery documentary

[t4tozier]

i love watching true crime knowing nothing about the famous case that happened. bc i’m genuinely shocked by stuff that happens when the documentary frames it like a twist

[arsojebsorkar]

True Crime The Fascination with Real-Life Horror

True crime has captivated audiences for centuries, evolving from sensationalist tabloids and grim ballads to documentaries, podcasts, books, and streaming series. The genre's popularity has surged in recent years, but the interest in crime—particularly real-life, unsolved mysteries or stories of gruesome violence—has long been woven into the cultural fabric of society. From Jack the Ripper to Ted Bundy, the lives of notorious criminals and their victims are dissected, analyzed, and often retold with shocking detail. But what drives this fascination? Why are people so drawn to the darker sides of human nature, especially when it involves real suffering?

A History of True Crime

True crime has a long, storied past that stretches back to the 16th and 17th centuries. In England, crime pamphlets and "murder ballads" were circulated, recounting grisly tales of homicide and other violent acts. These publications were often sensationalized, using lurid details to attract readers. Public executions and trials were common spectacles, where criminals were judged in court and the gallows, providing a macabre form of entertainment.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, the true crime genre expanded with the rise of print journalism. Newspapers began publishing serialized crime stories, often turning real events into serialized drama. One of the most famous cases was that of Jack the Ripper, the infamous serial killer who terrorized London in the late 1880s. The mystery surrounding his identity, combined with the gruesome nature of his crimes, made Jack the Ripper a figure of intense public interest.

In the 20th century, the genre took on new life through books and films. The 1966 book In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is often credited as one of the first true crime novels, pioneering a new style of immersive, literary journalism. Capote's work was groundbreaking, not only for its meticulous reconstruction of the brutal 1959 murders of the Clutter family in Kansas but also for its exploration of the psychological motives of the killers. Capote spent years interviewing the killers, attempting to understand what drove them to commit such an atrocity.

In the decades that followed, true crime stories about infamous figures like Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Jeffrey Dahmer became fixtures in popular culture, covered in books, documentaries, and even Hollywood movies.

The Modern Renaissance of True Crime

The advent of podcasts and streaming platforms has brought about a renaissance in true crime. Shows like Serial, Making a Murderer, and The Jinx captivated millions with their deep dives into wrongful convictions, cold cases, and the failures of the justice system. The genre expanded beyond recounting the gory details of crimes to exploring broader issues—police corruption, systemic racism, and forensic science, to name a few.

Podcasts, in particular, have transformed how true crime stories are consumed. Serial, which debuted in 2014, revolutionized the genre by investigating the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee and the conviction of Adnan Syed. The podcast's mix of investigative journalism, storytelling, and real-time updates on the case set the standard for many other true crime podcasts that followed, such as Criminal, Sword and Scale, and My Favorite Murder.

Television, too, has embraced true crime in a major way. Netflix, HBO, and other streaming services have released binge-worthy documentaries that examine not only notorious serial killers but also lesser-known crimes and scandals. Making a Murderer (2015), for example, chronicles the trials of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who was convicted of murder in what many believe was a mishandled case. The series raised serious questions about the fairness of the American legal system and drew attention to issues like police misconduct and coerced confessions.

In addition, books like Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark brought new interest to cold cases, such as the Golden State Killer, who was eventually identified and arrested in 2018, in part due to the renewed attention from McNamara’s work. Her book not only highlighted the victims’ stories but also revealed the persistence and dedication it takes to solve decades-old crimes.

Why Are We So Fascinated by True Crime?

The appeal of true crime goes beyond simple morbid curiosity. It speaks to a deeper part of the human psyche that seeks to understand evil and the darker impulses within society. But why do we seek out these stories, particularly when they are often unsettling or disturbing?

1. The Need for Understanding

One major reason people are drawn to true crime is the desire to understand the "why" behind such horrific acts. What makes an individual commit murder, rape, or kidnapping? True crime often delves into the psychology of the criminal, exploring their motivations, backgrounds, and possible mental health issues. This exploration can provide insight into human nature and, for some, a way to make sense of the seemingly incomprehensible.

In cases like Ted Bundy or the Zodiac Killer, the question of how seemingly "normal" individuals can commit unspeakable acts creates a tension between appearance and reality. True crime allows people to explore the darkest depths of humanity from the safety of their living rooms, giving them a sense of control over their own fears.

2. The Thrill of the Mystery

Much like traditional mystery novels or detective fiction, true crime satisfies the human craving for puzzles. Cold cases and unsolved mysteries, in particular, draw in amateur sleuths who attempt to piece together clues and theorize about who might be responsible. The sense of closure that comes with solving a mystery—whether it’s a fictional story or a real-life case—can be deeply satisfying.

This element of problem-solving is a huge part of the appeal of shows like Mindhunter or Forensic Files, which often focus on how law enforcement used psychological profiling or forensic science to catch criminals. True crime fans enjoy the intellectual challenge of figuring out how investigators finally cracked the case, while also engaging with the human drama behind it.

3. A Cathartic Experience

True crime stories often provoke strong emotional reactions, ranging from fear to anger to sadness. These stories allow audiences to confront their deepest fears—of violence, chaos, and loss of control—within a controlled environment. There’s a certain catharsis in watching justice be served, even if the road to that justice is long and filled with corruption or failure.

For many, true crime also serves as a reminder of their own vulnerability, but in a way that allows them to process those feelings safely. By confronting the darker aspects of the human condition, viewers and readers can explore their own fears and anxieties in a way that feels manageable.

4. Social Commentary

True crime has evolved beyond simple storytelling; it now often serves as a critique of societal systems. Many modern true crime documentaries and podcasts examine flaws in the justice system—wrongful convictions, racial biases, prosecutorial misconduct, and more. These stories allow audiences to engage with broader social issues through the lens of individual cases, making them more accessible and emotionally resonant.

For example, the podcast Undisclosed and Netflix’s The Innocence Files both focus on the stories of wrongly convicted individuals, shedding light on systemic problems within the criminal justice system. These narratives not only highlight the failures of institutions but also inspire real-world activism and change, as was the case with Serial’s Adnan Syed, whose conviction was overturned in 2022 after years of public pressure.

Ethical Concerns in True Crime

While the true crime genre can shed light on important societal issues and provide insight into human psychology, it also raises ethical concerns. There is an ongoing debate about whether it’s appropriate to turn real-life tragedies into entertainment. Victims’ families are often forced to relive their trauma as their loved ones’ stories are retold in increasingly sensational ways.

Moreover, the glorification of certain criminals can create problematic narratives, turning killers into cultural icons. Ted Bundy, for instance, has been the subject of numerous documentaries, films, and even a romanticized portrayal by Zac Efron in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019). This can blur the line between awareness and exploitation, as some worry that the focus on Bundy's charm and manipulation detracts from the suffering of his victims.

Additionally, the rapid rise in true crime content has led to a phenomenon known as "murder tourism," where people visit the sites of infamous crimes, often without regard for the impact on the communities affected. In extreme cases, true crime aficionados have harassed surviving family members or tried to interfere with ongoing investigations, further complicating the ethical landscape.

Conclusion: Our Complex Relationship with True Crime

True crime offers a paradox: it allows us to explore the darkest corners of the human experience while also providing a sense of control and understanding. The genre taps into our curiosity, our desire for justice, and our need to confront fear, all while serving as a reflection of the broader societal issues we grapple with. While the ethical questions surrounding true crime continue to be debated, its enduring popularity suggests that our fascination with these real-life horrors is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

[truuther]

The Menendez brothers, convicted of murdering their parents, have new evidence reviewed based on a letter presented by Erik Menendez corroborating allegations of sexual abuse by their father., The Menendez case was reignited by Ryan Murphy's Netflix dramatization, 'Monsters The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,' despite the brothers denouncing the inaccurate depiction., The documentary series 'Surviving R. Kelly' led to the conviction of R. Kelly on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges, following allegations of sexual misconduct., The Netflix docuseries 'Making a Murderer' led to widespread discussions and theories about the conviction of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey for the murder of Teresa Halbach., The true-crime series 'The Jinx' led to the conviction of Robert Durst for the murder of Susan Berman and his indictment for his late wife's disappearance, despite his death before the case could be resolved.

[mikevaccaro]

The Rise of the True Crime Documentary

The true crime documentary genre has experienced a surge in popularity, capturing audiences' attention worldwide and dominating streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO. This phenomenon marks a significant evolution in the portrayal of real-life crimes and has led to reevaluating the genre's impact and ethical considerations.

One of the defining moments in the rise of true crime documentaries was the debut of Netflix's "Making a Murderer" in 2015. The ten-part series, which examined the case of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey, captivated viewers with its meticulous investigation and provocative questions about the criminal justice system. "Making a Murderer" demonstrated the power of the streaming platform to attract large audiences to nonfiction storytelling and set the stage for a wave of similar productions.

Since then, Netflix has become a significant player in the true crime documentary landscape, producing critically acclaimed series and films that delve into some of the most notorious criminal cases. From "Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes" to "The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel," these documentaries have drawn praise for their high production values and compelling narratives. "The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson," directed by David France, sheds light on the life of activist Marsha P Johnson, a key figure in the LGBTQIA+ movement. The documentary reexamines her death, initially classified as suicide, and highlights the efforts of activist Victoria Cruz to uncover the truth.

Another compelling Netflix documentary is "The Innocent Man," based on John Grisham's book. This documentary exposes the flaws in the criminal justice system through the stories of Ron Williamson, Dennis Fritz, Tommy Ward, and Karl Fontenot. Directed by Clay Tweel, the series chronicles the wrongful convictions and subsequent exoneration of these men, shedding light on the devastating consequences of miscarriages of justice.

Perhaps one of Netflix's most iconic documentaries is "Tiger King," which thrusts viewers into the bizarre world of zookeeper Joe Exotic and his feud with animal rights activist Carole Baskin. The series follows Exotic's exploits at the Tiger King Park in Oklahoma and his eventual imprisonment for attempting to hire a hitman to kill Baskin, offering a glimpse into the eccentric subculture of big cat enthusiasts.

Nevertheless, true crime documentaries have also faced criticism for their portrayal of victims and their families, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers. "Sophie: A Murder in West Cork," which premiered on Netflix in June 2023, sparked a debate. The three-part series explored the mysterious death of French television producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier in Ireland in 1996. While praised by European critics for its gripping storytelling, the documentary received mixed reviews in the United States, with some critics accusing it of exploiting the victim and sensationalizing the crime.

Several factors have led to the success of true crime documentaries. For streaming platforms like Netflix, these productions offer a cost-effective way to attract and retain subscribers as they require minimal investment compared to scripted programming. Additionally, true crime stories have a built-in audience as they tap into viewers' innate fascination with mystery, suspense, and human nature.

However, the genre's rise has also raised concerns about ethics and representation. Critics argue that some true crime documentaries prioritize sensationalism over sensitivity, sensationalizing violence and exploiting the victims and their families for entertainment value. Moreover, many of these documentaries focus disproportionately on cases involving wealthy, white protagonists, overlooking the experiences of marginalized communities.

[myfrenzi]

Exploring Niche Genres on OTT: From K-Dramas to True Crime OTT

Unearthing the Hidden Gems: Exploring Niche Genres on OTT — From K-Dramas to True Crime — Best Movies on OTT

The realm of Over-The-Top (OTT) entertainment isn’t limited to mainstream blockbusters. It’s a treasure trove of niche genres that cater to the most discerning tastes. From the enchanting world of K-Dramas to the spine-tingling allure of true crime, this blog will take you on a journey through the hidden gems of OTT. We’ll unveil the “best movies on OTT” in these unique genres and celebrate the diverse flavors that make OTT a haven for all.

Act I: The Allure of Niche Genres

Niche genres aren’t just an escape from the ordinary; they’re a doorway to unexplored worlds of storytelling.

Unique Stories: Niche genres deliver stories and perspectives often overlooked by mainstream media.

Act II: The Diversity of K-Dramas

K-Dramas have taken the world by storm, offering an intriguing blend of romance, drama, and culture.

Emotional Journeys: K-Dramas are renowned for their emotionally resonant storytelling and unique cultural insights.

Act III: The Power of True Crime

True crime isn’t just a genre; it’s a portal into the darkest corners of human nature.

Unveiling Mysteries: True crime narratives captivate audiences with real-life mysteries, investigations, and the psychology of criminals.

Act IV: The Thrill of Mystery and Suspense

Mystery and suspense genres offer a riveting blend of enigmatic storytelling and pulse-pounding suspense.

Unraveling Enigmas: These narratives challenge viewers to solve intricate puzzles, often with unexpected twists.

Act V: The “Best Movies on OTT” in Niche Genres

Let’s embark on a journey through the “best movies on OTT” in these niche genres, celebrating their unique appeal:

Best K-Dramas:

1. “Parasite” (Hulu): A gripping story of class divisions in South Korea, “Parasite” captivated audiences worldwide with its striking social commentary.

2. “Crash Landing on You” (Netflix): This K-Drama fuses romance and adventure as a South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea.

3. “Train to Busan” (Hulu): A thrilling zombie apocalypse film that explores the survival instincts of a group of passengers on a train.

Best True Crime:

1. “Making a Murderer” (Netflix): A groundbreaking documentary series that delves into the controversial murder case of Steven Avery.

2. “The Jinx” (HBO Max): This true crime documentary series unravels the life and alleged crimes of real estate heir Robert Durst.

Act VI: The Gateway to Cultural Exploration

Niche genres, like K-Dramas, open windows into the rich tapestries of different cultures.

Cross-Cultural Bridges: K-Dramas, for example, showcase South Korean traditions, family dynamics, and the beauty of the Korean language.

Act VII: The Power of Real Stories

True crime isn’t just about sensationalism; it highlights the complexities of real-life events and the pursuit of justice.

Legal and Ethical Dilemmas: True crime narratives invite viewers to question the ethics of the justice system and the morality of society.

Act VIII: FAQs for Niche Genre Enthusiasts

Q1: How can I find the “best movies on OTT” in niche genres? OTT platforms often have dedicated sections for niche genres. You can also explore recommendations from fellow enthusiasts and critics.

Q2: Are there age-appropriate options for children in niche genres on OTT platforms? Yes, many OTT platforms offer family-friendly content in various niche genres, ensuring age-appropriate options.

Q3: What’s the appeal of niche genres for viewers who are new to these categories? Niche genres offer fresh and unique storytelling, often with strong cultural or societal insights, making them appealing for those seeking something different.

Curtain Call: A World of Hidden Gems

In conclusion, OTT platforms are a treasure chest of hidden gems, waiting to be discovered by adventurous viewers. Niche genres like K-Dramas and true crime narratives offer a refreshing departure from the mainstream, serving as gateways to new cultures, realities, and thought-provoking stories.

As you venture into the captivating worlds of these genres, you’ll realize that OTT isn’t just a source of entertainment; it’s a portal to the diverse narratives that make our world so intriguing.

[htis]

A fantastic, moving, and unmissable feature documentary on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. If you didn't back the #DS9Doc it's now available on Google Play, Amazon, and iTunes. Also, there's a couple of cameos from me in the last half hour. :)

[startrekucast]

Ira Steven Behr, the showrunner and executive producer for the controversial series 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' takes us on a journey 20 years beyond the last episode of the series by getting his core writers' room back together to break a fictional season 8 premiere--all while guiding us through the past of the show and reminding us of its cultural significance.

We have seen this tear-jerking documentary, and we're talking about it on this episode of the Star Trek Universe Podcast!

Star Trek Universe Podcast #044 - 'What We Left Behind - Looking Back on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' Review

[alltimefavouritevideos]

10 Documentaries That Ruined Reputations

[blakevasiliev]

Bruh my teacher gave us a shjtty little outline and I did the best I could with crayolas markers and she goes “it’s not creative enough” and I got marked down SO FAR for that. I ain’t ever trying to draw in a non art class again

[vcg73]

D.C. in “Midway”

I just finished watching “Midway”. I didn’t see it when it came out last year due to the fact that Derpin Crisco was in it and I make a point never to spend money in that direction. But I was curious and this rental was a freebee, so I thought I’d give it a go.

First of all, Roland Emmerich needs to lay off the CGI. The aerial shots were clearly computerized and many still-shots had that vague blurriness around the edges that tells you it’s badly edited green screen. Even the scene of sailors doing calisthenics on the main deck looked fake. Like, we KNOW these are FX shots, but who wants to actively be thinking about that while action is happening? Movies with a quarter of this one’s budget have done much better visuals.

Secondly, I think I’ve seen too many Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks love letters to the WW2 era because those movies and documentaries are so well crafted that they set a really high bar for the genre. “Midway” kinda belly crawls underneath that bar. It wasn’t 100% bad, but I was hitting fast-forward more than I like. 

Anyway. D. C. played Eugene Lindsey, a Squadron commander who, after a near-death landing in a damaged plane, leads his men a week later into the Battle of Midway where he is fatally shot down bombing an enemy aircraft carrier. (The real Lindsey was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for this action.) I tried to give him a fair shake. I honestly did. I thought, okay, this role isn’t one of Murphy’s special projects groomed to make his favorite pets look good. It’s a real movie with an experienced film director, a cast of mostly good actors, and it’s been a few years since Glee - which we can all admit was awful in its last few seasons. So hey, maybe the guy realized he wasn’t up to snuff, did some work, improved his craft, and will surprise me!

Yeah, no.

He checked all the DC specialty boxes, except singing and being gay for pay.  Weird dramatic gestures. Constipated background faces when he’s supposed to be reacting to other people. Alternating between overacting when his character is having strong emotion, and going blank face/voiced when they’re meant to be serious. 

And he decidedly does not know how to play pain in a believable way. When Lindsey is being taken into the Infirmary after his plane crash, he’s suffering from broken ribs, a punctured lung, and so many facial abrasions that the real guy couldn’t wear his flight goggles even a week later. Instead, DC’s face has a couple of artistic little cuts, and he loudly moans and groans like a character in a Tex Avery cartoon as he’s being helped onto a bed - something he would not be doing with a punctured lung. When he returns to the flight deck a few days later he’s limping for whatever reason, but does not seem uncomfortable with the fact that another person is helping him along by means of an arm gripped around his rib cage. Yeah, the one with the recently broken bones inside it. 

Actually I’ll blame that last one the writer/directors, who apparently never bothered to read a five minute bio on the real man before shooting.

Most amusingly, from the Infirmary scene onward, Criss totally drops the Southern-tinged accent he’d been using earlier in the film. Which he shouldn’t have been using in the first place because the real guy hailed from the state of Washington. In the Pacific Northwestern USA. Where nobody speaks with a drawl. 

Lastly, the death scene. He does wear his goggles to start with, but dramatically pulls them off as his plane starts to nose-dive, and his ‘I’m about to meet my watery fate, but at least I have died bravely’ face just looks vaguely concerned, like he’s sad he’ll be missing out on whatever will be served for lunch. 

Seriously, how does this man keep getting jobs?  He’s worked with so many much better actors and has learned NOTHING from them. It’s actually frustrating to watch.

[morbidology]

What do you think of Making a Murderer and do you think Steven Avery is guilty?

I think Steven Avery is guilty and I find the documentary exceptionally bias and the documentary makers purposefully omitted a plethora of the evidence against or just skimmed over it or “explained” it with pseudoscience.

First of all, the documentary makers portray Avery to be something he’s not and downplay his disturbing past. For example, the part detailing what happened to the cat wasn’t accurate. It wasn’t a teenage mistake. He poured gasoline and oil over a cat and threw it into a bonfire and watched it burn to death. You can read the police files for that incident here.

Additionally, he allegedly raped his 17-year-old cousin and threatened to kill her family if she told anybody. She came forward after he was arrested but the case never went to trial because she was too afraid.Several people came forward to say he confessed to raping his cousin. You can the affidavit for that incident here, here, and here.

A childhood friend of Avery came forward to say he had raped her. You can read that affidavit here. Furthermore, Brendan Dassey claimed he was molested by Avery. You can read that transcript here.

In 1985, he ran his cousin and a deputy’s wife off the road before trying to force Morris into his car at gunpoint. You can read the police files for that incident here.

Now onto the murder of Teresa Halbach. Avery specifically asked for Teresa to come to his house but did using a fake name and fake number; he pretended to be his sister. The reason he had to conceal his identity was because Teresa was scared of him. He opened the door to her naked previously and creeped her out so much that she said she would never return. Avery kept calling Teresa on the day of her murder but withheld his number. After she was killed, he rang her again. However, this time he didn’t withhold his number, and it’s assumed that was because he knew she wouldn’t be answering, regardless of who was on the end of the line.

A number of Teresa’s belongings, including her phone, camera and PDA,were found burnt in a barrel on his property and several witnesses at his trial testified seeing him putting things into the barrel before setting it alight. Human remains were also discovered in the fire pit on his property, along with Teresa’s tooth, a part of her jeans, and tools.  A bullet containing Teresa’s DNA was found in Avery’s garage. You can see the laboratory analysis here.

Ballistic evidence showed that the bullet containing Teresa’s DNA was fired from Avery’s rifle which he kept on the wall above his bed. Had the bullet been planted, how did it get her DNA on it and how could it have been shot from his gun when it was confiscated at the beginning of the investigation? Furthermore, in regards to the hole found in the blood sample that the documentary tries to pen as evidence of a framing, a nurse came forward straight away to confess that she had made the hole.

Avery’s DNA was found inside Theresa’s car You can see the laboratory analysis here and here and here. The documentary tries to claim this was planted by somebody who obtained Avery’s blood from a cut that bled in his sink from a small cut on his thumb. However, if there ever was blood in the sink, it would have dried. How can somebody scrape up dried blood and plant it in a car? On surfaces in the car in a drip pattern? That’s impossible.

Furthermore, perspiration containing Avery’s DNA was found under the hood latch of the car and on her car keys. I know Zellner tries to claim DNA cannot be obtained from perspiration but that’s just not true. DNA can be extracted from many kinds of biological evidence including blood, semen, saliva, perspiration, hair roots, skin cells, bone marrow, tooth root, urine, faeces, and vomit which could contain cells from the throat. Almost every component from the human anatomy is a potential source for DNA.

For further reading on extracting DNA from perspiration, check out the following textbooks, all of which are written by scientists:

- Forensic DNA Analysis: Current Practices and Emerging Technologies (This book has a paragraph which reads: “Often the vehicle’s grill, fender, and undercarriage are prime locations from which to recover physical evidence with DNA. A vehicle’s interior also can contain numerous sources for DNA recovery, including skin cells or perspiration.”

- An Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis, Second Edition

- Forensic DNA Applications: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

- Molecular Diagnostics: Promises and Possibilities

A number of people have been convicted of a crime using DNA obtained from perspiration. Mark Manfredy was linked to a string of New York City robberies when the DNA in his perspiration matched DNA found at the scene.Mohamed Ali Abdul Ghani was tied to a robbery when the perspiration from his shoe left at the scene contained his DNA. Glenn J. Raynor was tied to a rape when Maryland State Police obtained his DNA from perspiration left on a chair while voluntarily answering questions at an MSP barracks. 

In fact, in 2014, the Court of Appeals concluded that collecting perspiration left behind from somebody being questioned for a crime does not violate the U.S. Constitution’s Fourth Amendment prohibition on unreasonable searches. “In the end, we hold that DNA testing (of] genetic material no tobtained by means of physical intrusion into the person’s body is no more a search for purposes of the Fourth Amendment than is the testing of fingerprints or the observation of any other identifying feature revealed to the public —visage, apparent age, body type, skin color,” said Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera.

People need to remember that this documentary was created in defence of Steven Avery and his defence are going to produce their own experts to back what they say and vice-versa with the prosecution.  The defence doesn’t care if their client is guilty or not. Kathleen Zellner was also the defence lawyer for Larry Eyler; she knew he was guilty, continued to defend him until his death and then, finally admitted he was guilty and released the identities of his victims. That is a defence lawyers job. 

The second documentary especially focuses on pseudoscience and half-truths. For example, the fact that Avery passed a brain fingerprinting test is apparently proof that he’s innocent. However, brain fingerprinting is controversial and unproven and inadmissible in court. Another example is when Zeller tries to claim the sniffer dogs were going mental in the gravel pit. However, she fails to mention that this gravel pit was immediately south of Theresa’s vehicle. You can read the dog handler’s report here.

The documentary also doesn’t acknowledge that a cadaver dog picked up a scent of decomposition in Avery’s bathroom. Moreover, Zellner claimed that the dog didn’t pick up human decomposition scent in the pit until the 8th of November, eluding that the human remains were planted. However, the dog didpick up human decomposition on the 5th at the burn pile but couldn’t get any closer to the burn pile because there was a chained German Shepherd barking and lunging, leading the handler to walk away and return when safer to do so. You can read about that evidence in the dog handler’s report as well as during her testimony at trial here. Please note that the handler isn’t associated with the police.

In my opinion, they wanted a documentary that would sell and painted the case as something I don’t believe it to be and something the evidence doesn’t point towards it being. He wasn’t found guilty for nothing like the documentary leads us to believe. There is a profusion of corruption in the justice system and there were many legitimate cases they could have chosen to do a documentary on. They chose this case, in my opinion, so that idealistic viewers could transfer their shock and anger about the initial miscarriage of justice (and distrust of the police) to the murder case and use it as reasonable doubt.

I urge anybody – whether you think he’s guilty or not – to read the trial transcripts and look through all of the evidence presented at trial and base your opinion on that, not a bias documentary with an agenda.

http://www.stevenaverycase.org/

[myfrenzi]

Investigating True Crime Documentaries on OTT Platforms

Investigating True Crime Documentaries on OTT Platforms: What to Watch on OTT

Hey there, detective enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you love a good mystery. And what’s better than watching real-life crime stories unfold right on your screen? Thanks to Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, you can dive into the thrilling world of true crime documentaries. So, let’s put on our detective hats and explore what to watch on OTT for some spine-tingling investigations!

Unmasking the Mystery

True crime documentaries are like real-life puzzles. They take you through actual criminal cases, from the crime scene to the courtroom. Here are some fascinating ones you don’t want to miss:

1. “Making a Murderer” (2015)

This docuseries will have you questioning the justice system. It follows the case of Steven Avery, a man wrongfully convicted of a crime, only to find himself accused of another shocking crime years later.

2. “The Jinx” (2015)

“The Jinx” delves into the life of millionaire Robert Durst, who’s been linked to multiple unsolved crimes. Prepare for jaw-dropping revelations and a stunning finale.

3. “The Staircase” (2004)

A gripping true story about the death of Kathleen Peterson, whose husband Michael becomes the prime suspect. It’s a rollercoaster of courtroom drama and family secrets.

Unsolved Mysteries

Sometimes, the most captivating stories are the ones that remain unsolved. These documentaries will keep you guessing:

1. “The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann” (2019)

The case of young Madeleine McCann, who vanished while on vacation in Portugal, has baffled investigators for years. This series unravels the mystery behind her disappearance.

2. “The Case Against Adnan Syed” (2019)

This documentary reopens the case of Adnan Syed, who was convicted of murdering his high school girlfriend. With new evidence, the truth might finally come to light.

3. “The Cecil Hotel” (2021)

A notorious hotel in Los Angeles becomes the setting for numerous strange and unsolved mysteries. Dive into the eerie history of the Cecil Hotel and the enigmatic disappearances that occurred there.

Famous Criminals

Some true crime documentaries focus on the minds of infamous criminals. It’s a chilling look into what makes them tick:

1. “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” (2019)

Ted Bundy was one of America’s most notorious serial killers. This series features interviews with Bundy himself, shedding light on his disturbing psyche.

2. “The Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer” (2021)

Follow the investigation to capture Richard Ramirez, a serial killer and rapist who terrorized Southern California in the 1980s. It’s a gripping cat-and-mouse chase.

3. “The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness” (2021)

This documentary explores the theory that the infamous Son of Sam killer, David Berkowitz, didn’t act alone. It’s a deep dive into the world of conspiracy theories and true crime.

Where to Find the Suspense

So, where can you uncover these true crime gems on OTT? Popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max are packed with riveting documentaries. They’ve got the inside scoop on real mysteries, and they’re just a click away.

Wrapping Up the Case

True crime documentaries on OTT are like a never-ending puzzle. They keep you on the edge of your seat, and just when you think you’ve solved it, there’s another twist. So, the next time you’re wondering what to watch on OTT, consider diving into the thrilling world of true crime. But beware, it’s addictive!

FAQs

Are these documentaries suitable for kids? True crime documentaries often deal with mature themes and real crimes, so they may not be suitable for younger viewers. Parents should use discretion.

Are there any light-hearted true crime documentaries? While many true crime documentaries are intense, some focus on lighter or quirky cases that might be less unsettling.

Do these documentaries provide closure to the cases? In some cases, true crime documentaries may lead to new developments or even legal actions. However, not all cases are solved or resolved within the documentary.

Can I watch these documentaries for free on OTT platforms? Some OTT platforms offer a limited selection of content for free, but many true crime documentaries may require a subscription or rental fee.

Are there any fictional crime series on OTT platforms? Yes, OTT platforms also offer fictional crime dramas and series for those who enjoy scripted mysteries and thrillers.

[straydog733]

2020 Reading and Watching Resolutions!

New year, new decade, new books! (Though the first one I post will definitely be majority-read in 2019.) I am ready to go with a fresh new year of reading resolutions!

So my fiancee did point out an issue with my previous year’s list: I was having to pass on a lot of contemporary fiction and spec fic because I couldn’t find anywhere to fit it in the list. And while the list’s purpose is to guide me to new reading horizons, I do also need to remember that I am a member of the spec-fic publishing community now, and I should know what my peers are producing. So with a bit of trimming, this year’s list now has five Wild Card slots, as opposed to the one from last year. Hopefully this will give me some more room to follow my bliss, while still inspiring me to read things I might not have tried otherwise. (The watching resolution list is unchanged, as it served me well this year.)

So here we go! And if you have any recommendations, feel free to drop them my way!

2020 Reading Resolution

A book written in North America: The Iliac Crest by Cristina Rivera Garza

A book written in Central America: Unaccompanied by Javier Zamora

A book written in South America: Trafalgar by Angélica Gorodischer, translated by Amalia Gladhart

A book written in East Asia: The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, translated by Ken Liu

A book written in South Asia: Before She Sleeps by Bina Shah

A book written in Africa: The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah

A book written in the Middle East: Regretting Motherhood: A Study by Orna Donath

A book written in Australia/Oceania
: Shark Dialogues by Kiana Davenport

A book written in Russia: The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky

A book written in Europe: The Gospel According to Cane by Courttia Newland

A biography: Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston

A non-fiction book: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty

A collection of short stories: Our Happy Hours, LGBT Voices from the Gay Bars Collected by S. Renee Bess and Lee Lynch

A collection of poetry: Diamond Grill by Fred Wah

A play: Lips Together, Teeth Apart by Terrence McNally

A book you’ve seen adapted: Room by Emma Donoghue

A graphic novel: The Order of the Stick: Book 1/2 - Good Deeds Gone Unpunished by Rich Burlew

A children’s book: Amy, Number Seven (Replica #1) by Marilyn Kaye

A book older than 100 years: The Monk by Matthew G Lewis

A debut novel: The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison

A novel by a famous author, other than the one(s) they are best known for: Homebody/Kabul by Tony Kushner

A book you’re intimidated by: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

A book by an author you’ve never given a fair shot: Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

A book you’ve heard bad things about: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A book released in 2020: Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health edited by Adrian Shanker

Wild Card: The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

Wild Card: Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Wild Card: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

Wild Card: The Solstice Gift: Behrouz and Lucky on the Longest Night by Avery Cassell

Wild Card: Die Volume 1: Fantasy Heartbreaker by Kieron Gillen, Illustrated by Stephanie Hans

List Progress: 30/30

2020 Film Watching Resolution

A foreign film: Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

A black and white film: The Old Dark House (1932)

A silent or dialogue-free film: The Kid (1921)

An animated film: My Life as a Zucchini (2016)

A film based on a true story: Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)

A documentary: End Game (2018)

A film based on a book: Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

An Oscar-winning movie: Parasite (2019)

A trashy movie: Lavender (2016)

Your best friend’s favorite movie: There Will Be Blood (2007)

A children’s film: Steven Universe: The Movie (2019)

A film released in 2020: Birds of Prey (2020)

Films Not on the List:

The VVitch (2015)

Swiss Army Man (2016)

The Wicker Man (1973)

The Wicker Man (2006)

Us (2019)

Hereditary (2018)

Crimson Peak (2015)

The Invitation (2015)

Midsommar (2019)

Marrowbone (2017)

The Half of It (2020)

El Camino (2019)

Candyman (1992)

The Old Guard (2020)

The Quiet Room (2018)

Lizzie (2018)

The Lodgers (2018)

Handia (or Giant) (2017)

Moonlight (2016)

Willard (2003)

Emelie (2015)

Rattlesnake (2019)

I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

The Lighthouse (2019)

Suspiria (2018)

1922 (2017)

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Battle Royale (2000)

Happy Death Day (2017)

Carrie (1976)

Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Circle (2015)

The Others (2001)

Happiest Season (2020)

Uncle Frank (2020)\

The Haunting (1999)

Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Dashing in December (2020)

Broadcasting Christmas (2016)

List Progress: 12/12 (+39)

[ineffable-bisexual]

I keep thinking of Ineffable Husbands HCs set in, like, right fucking now, especially with all the streaming services we have.

Crowley upgraded his old as dirt television to a smart TV, and he subscribes to ALL of them, Hulu, Netflix, yes even Prime. He enjoys car programs, action films (he was once great mates with Steve McQueen), and horror movies, especially ones about exorcisms because they're hilarious. He still thinks The Exorcist is the funniest film he's ever seen.

He also has a soft spot for Great British Bake Off and even goes on Twitter to blast Paul Hollywood.

Aziraphale binge watches documentaries, particularly the David Attenborough ones. ("He just sounds so lovely, don't you think?" he asks Crowley as they watch Planet Earth. Crowley plays at being jealous but Azi just rolls his eyes.)

They are so fascinated by reality television until Crowley realizes that, hold up! "I know these people!" he exclaims one night, pausing an episode of Jersey Shore.

Azi sighs. "Of course you did this."

"It was an accident!"

Also, I can see them arguing over dinner about whether or not Steven Avery did it.

"You're an angel. Aren't you all-knowing?"

"We can't be that omniscient, dear. Otherwise, what would be the use of God? ......don't answer that."

"Ngk." Crowley downs his glass of wine and stuffs a couple of bread sticks in his jacket. "Let's go. Chopped is on in ten minutes."

[renegade-is-in-my-blood]

Making a murderer

Hey. Let me recommend you this Netflix original TV show “Making a murderer“.

This review might contain spoilers but consider this is a document of real life case that happened 33 years ago in Wisconsin I believe you already heard about it.

Basic info:

It’s a documentary series showing true story of Steven Avery from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Steven spend 18 years in prison (!) wrongful…

[sleepykittypaws]

2020 Theatrical Holiday Premieres

Updated: December 10,  2020

Lina From Lima (holiday-set drama written and directed by Maria Paz Gonzalez; starring Emilia Ossandon, Sebastian Brahm and Cecilia Cartasegna; A Peruvian woman working for a wealthy family in Chile prepares for a Christmas trip home to see her son, her first in a decade, but things don’t go as planned) - Jan. 4, festival (Trailer); also available on HBO Max as of Oct. 8

The Lodge (Christmas-set horror film starring Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell and Alicia Silverstone; A soon-to-be stepmom gets snowed in with her fiancé's two children at a remote holiday village. Just as relations begin to thaw between the trio, some strange and frightening events take place.) - Feb. 7, Rated R (Trailer); also available on Hulu as of May 5 

The Crossing (a.k.a. Flukten Over Grensen; Norwegian-language film directed by Johanne Helgeland; In WWII Norway, two young children’s parents, active in the resistance, are captured by Nazis just days before Christmas, leaving them to fend for both themselves and the Jewish children they find hidden in their house) - Feb. 14, Norway/US TBA (Trailer, Website)

Tidy Tim’s (holiday comedy starring Shane Woodson, Rich Williams and Jennifer Day, about a father and son run who run a rickety used car lot in Southern California that is facing foreclosure.) - Feb. 15, Rated PG-13, festival (Trailer) also available on DVD Oct. 6

12 Days of Christmas (holiday movie starring Annie Newton and Drew Petriello; directed by Michael Boyle; Best friends home from college on Christmas break navigate an unplanned pregnancy, making it a tricky holiday with their families) - Mar 7, Cinequest Film Festival (Facebook, Website, Trailer) also available on DVD Sep. 1

The Last Christmas Party (indie drama starring Samantha Brooks, Anna Clare Kerr, Lainey Woo, James Williams, Martin Drop and Gabriel Armentano; directed by Julian Santos; Three college couples attend the last fraught party before Christmas break; filmed in New York) - June 7, Festival (Website, Trailer) available on Amazon Prime Nov. 13

Merry Christmas, Yiwu (Documentary from director Mladen Kovacevic focusing on life for workers in the Chinese city that has over 600 Christmas ornament and decor factories.) - June 24, Hot Docs Film Festival (Website, Facebook, Teaser)

A New York Christmas Wedding (starring Chris Noth, Avery Whitted, Joe Perrino, Adriana DeMeo and Tyra Ferrell; written and directed by Otoja Abit; As her Christmas Eve wedding draws near, a woman is visited by an angel and shown what could have been if she’d allowed her feelings for her childhood friend to flourish instead.) - Aug 21, Festival (Trailer, Trailer 2) also available on Netflix as of Nov. 5

A Christmas Cancellation (holiday movie starring Lauren Melty, Marcus Ellison and Elliott Kashner; written and directed by Justin Timpane; A group of fictional TV characters who become sentient as their show is set to end; filmed in Washington, D.C.) - Aug. 31, American Golden Picture International Film Festival (Website, Facebook, Trailer) available on Amazon Prime Nov. 13

A Christmas Tree Love Story (holiday movie starring Gregory Piccirilli and Ashley Holliday Tavares, filmed in Georgia; Two old friends reminiscence while searching for the perfect Christmas tree) - Sep 8, Richmond International Film Festival (Website, Trailer); also available on Amazon Prime as of Dec. 21

Blackbird (drama starring Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Sam Neill, Mia Wasikowska and Rainn Wilson;  A woman with ALS who wants to end her life on her own terms, gathers her family for one final Christmas celebration) - Sep. 18, Rated R (Trailer) also available VOD

We Three Kings (faith-based film from writer-directors Joseph and Stacie Graber; starring Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James and Nice Davies; The story behind the Christmas carol; filmed in Denver, Colo.) - Sep. 27, festival (Website, Trailer)

It Cuts Deep (horror-comedy from writer-director Nicholas Santos; A couple on Christmas vacation trying to figure out their future have their lives turned upside down by a disturbing stranger; filmed in Cape Cod, Mass.) - Oct. 8  (Website)

The War With Grandpa (holiday-set family comedy starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Uma Thurman, Jane Seymour, Rob Riggle and Cheech Marin; A grandfather comes to live with his daughter, ousting his grandson from his room and prompting a declaration of war from young to old) - Oct. 9, Rated PG (Trailer), available on digital Dec. 15 and DVD Dec. 22

The Wolf of Snow Hollow (holiday-set horror comedy written, directed and starring Jim Cummings, alongside Riki Lindhome, Robert Forster and Chloe East; A small town sheriff tries to keep control of a panicking small town as a string of murders on full moons makes the townspeople think supernatural thoughts) - Oct. 9, Rated R (Trailer)

The Food Club (a.k.a. Madklubben; Danish film directed by Barbara Topsøe-Rothenborg and starring Kirsten Olesen, Stina Ekblad and Kirsten Lehfeldt; A women abandoned by her husband on Christmas Eve leans on her friends, a widow and lifelong singleton who take her to Italy to take part in an culinary adventure) - Oct. 22 Denmark (Danish Trailer)

Fair Haven (partially crowd-funded indie from Red Skies Studios starring Bobby McGruther and Amandalyn McLellan; A death in the family brings a musician on the verge of making it back to his hometown for the holidays) - Oct. 24, Catskills International Film Festival (Facebook, Indiegogo)

Friendsgiving  (a.k.a. Dinner with Friends; starring Kat Dennings, Malin Akerman, Christine Taylor, Aisha Tyler, Jane Seymour, Chelsea Peretti and Ryan Hansen; directed by Nicol Paone; Friends host a chaotic Thanksgiving dinner) - Oct. 23, Rated R (Trailer) also available on blu-ray Oct. 27

Gledelig Jul (a.k.a. Another Happy Christmas; Norwegian comedy starring Anne Marit Jacobsen and Otto Jespersen; directed by Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken; The story of a family coming together for holidays for the first time in years, where secrets are revealed.) - Oct. 30, Norway  (Website)

A Christmas Gift from Bob (sequel to 2016′s A Street Cat Named Bob, based on the book; starring Kristina Tonteri-Young and Luke Treadaway; A ginger cat saves a homeless man at Christmas) - Nov. 6 UK (Trailer)

My Dad’s Christmas Date (UK holiday-set, comedy-drama starring Joely Richardson, Jeremy Piven, Roger Ashton-Griffiths and Olivia-Mai Barrett; directed by Mick Davis and co-written by Brian and Jack Marchetti; A teenager struggling to cope with her mother’s death signs up her depressed, widower father for a dating service) - Nov. 6, limited (Website, Trailer, Trailer 2) Also available on iTunes

The Santa Box (family movie from writer/director Spanky Dustin Ward and starring Cami Carver and Shawn Stevens; A girl who thinks she’s cursed by Christmas finds a note in a Santa Box left on her doorstep that changes everything; filmed in Utah) - Nov. 6, limited (Facebook) also available via DVD and digital on Nov. 10

Julemandens Datter 2 (a.k.a. All I Want for Christmas 2; Danish-language family film sequel to the popular 2018 movie; After Lucia becomes the first girl to gain entrance to the Santa School, she most prove her best friend, Oscar’s, innocence, after he’s wrongly accused of a crime and expelled from school.) - Nov. 12, Denmark (Trailer)

A Wrestling Christmas Miracle (low-budget movie from right-wing Justice for All Productions, starring Ken Del Vecchio and Oriana D’Agostino and re-using many scenes from last year’s A Karate Christmas Miracle; A young wrestler gives up the sport to make a movie he hope will wake his comatose friend for Christmas) - Nov. 15, festival; also available as of Nov. 27 on Amazon Prime

Malous Jul (Danish-language fantasy film from Frederik Norgaard; starring Karla My Nordquist and Lars Ranthe; A troubled girl finds herself spending Christmas on an island with a family of elves) - Nov. 19, Denmark (Website)

Some Kind of Christmas (holiday movie written and directed by Davien Harlis and produced by his own Act1Scene2 Productions; starring Tomathan McGinnis, Mariela Perez Calderon, Andre Lamar and Derrell Lester; A man comes home for Christmas for the first time in years, but finds his holiday spirit tested when he hires a fake boyfriend to bring home for Christmas) - Nov. 19-21, Cinevision in Ga.  (Website)

A Carolina Christmas (right-wing, faith-based holiday movie from Dalton Pictures; A new city inspector tries to stifle a town’s Christmas celebrations; filmed in South Carolina) - Nov. 20, limited (Making Of Series)

Michael McClean’s The Forgotten Carols (filmed adaptation of the long-running, faith-based, original musical; filmed in Cedar City, Utah) - Nov. 20 in select theaters (Website, Trailer)

The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (holiday movie sequel to the 2018 film starring Kurt Russell as a sassy Santa, Goldie Hawn, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Tyrese Gibson; directed by Chris Columbus; Kate Pierce—now a cynical teenager—is unexpectedly reunited with Santa Claus when a mysterious, magical troublemaker named Belsnickel threatens to destroy Christmas forever.) - Nov. 25 (Trailer) also available on Netflix

Fatman (action-comedy written and directed by Ian and Eshom Nelms, starring Walton Goggins, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Chance Hurstfield, and Mel Gibson as a “rowdy, unorthodox” Santa Claus who is fighting his popularity decline when a 12-year-old hires a hitman to do him in after receiving a lump of coal the previous season.) - Nov. 13, Rated R (Trailer), available on digital Nov. 17

A Christmas Carol (live-action animated feature starring Andy Serkis, Carey Mulligan, Daniel Kaluuya, Martin Freeman and Leslie Caron; abstract re-telling of A Christmas Carol when, during a children’s paper theater telling of the classic story, we enter the imagination of a child hearing it told.) - Nov. 19, limited release (Featurette, Trailer) also available in the UK starting Dec. 4

Katherine Jenkins: Christmas Spectacular (concert film featuring the Welsh opera singer's 2019 Royal Albert Hall Christmas show, including special guests Vanessa Redgrave and Bill Nighy) - Dec. 1 in UK, also available VOD

The Loss Adjuster (holiday movie starring Luke Goss, Martin Kemp, Joan Collins, Gary Siner and Cathy Tyson; An insurance adjuster’s wife leaves him a week before Christmas and his day just gets worse from there, until he discovers how truly lucky he is with the help of some Christmas magic) - Dec. 1 in UK (Trailer, Facebook) also available same day digital in the U.S.

Christmas in the Jungle (Latvian-Estonian family adventure movie, with mainly English dialogue; starring Paaru Oja, Tonu Kark, Rukman Rosadi; directed by Jaak Kilmi; When a 10-year-old girl is moved to the tropics by her parents, she has trouble getting into the holiday spirit, so she and a local friend head into the jungle in search of the Christmas Shaman; filmed in Indonesia) - Dec. 1 in Estonia

Saving the Spirit of Christmas (holiday musical written, produced and directed by members of the Grand Prairie Arts Council; A teen mourns the loss of her favorite Christmas traditions due to COVID, prompting the Spirit of Christmas to visit her) - Dec. 3, drive-in, benefit premiere at South Grand Prairie High School

Dear Santa (feature documentary from filmmaker Dana Nachman; based on the USPS’s Operation Santa, which allows people to adopt and answer children’s letters to Santa.) - Dec. 4 (Website, Trailer) Also available VOD

Lost at Christmas (holiday movie starring Natalie Clark and Kenny Boyle; After being dumped by his fiancé after a rejected proposal, two strangers stranded in the Scottish Highlands join forces to try and get home in time for Christmas; filmed on location in Scotland) - Dec. 4 in UK (Website, Trailer) also available VOD on Dec. 7 (UK only)

Nomadland (drama starring Frances McDormand, Gay DeForest and Patricia Grier; directed by Chloe Zhao; Exploring the life of a modern nomad, who travels the country looking for temporary seasonal work; starting at the holidays) - Dec. 4, limited (Trailer)

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Directed and written by Pedro Brenner, starring Guillermo Ivan and filmed in Mexico, the holiday-set, faith-based story of a reporter sent to research the meaning of a miracle who ends up needing one himself) - Dec. 10, limited (Trailer)

Silent Night (UK action-thriller written and directed by Will Thorne, starring Bradley Taylor and Cary Crankson; An ex-con hoping to go straight and spend a nice Christmas with his daughter, but who gets drawn back into the criminal life) - Dec. 11 in UK (Facebook) also available on UK VOD Dec. 14 and DVD Dec. 28 

Christmas on Mars (a.k.a. Un Natale su Marte; Italian Christmas comedy from director Neri Parenti; filmed in Rome) - Dec. 17 in Italy

The Lost Christmas (Dutch comedy about a theater producer who tries to save his theater from a Coronavirus-caused crisis by putting on a spectacular holiday show that goes horribly wrong; filmed in Velsen) - Dec. 21, Netherlands (Instagram, Trailer)

Pieces of a Woman (partially holiday-set drama starring Vanessa Kirby, Shia LeBeouf and Ellen Burstyn; A home birth goes horribly wrong, leaving a family and community to pick up the pieces) - Dec. 30 (Trailer), available on Netflix, January 7, 2021

Creatures (holiday horror-comedy about a group of students who find an adorable injured alien, only to find he’s being chased by terrifying creatures) - Dec. in UK (Facebook, Trailer, Trailer 2)