I don’t usually talk about movies and TV shows at length here on my Confessions section, because I don’t want to act like this section of my website is anything other than what it is: A blog about my life on the ranch, my family, my pets, and whatever we happen to be up to on any given week. By that definition, I don’t know why I don’t talk more about movies and TV shows at length here on my Confessions section. It is a huge part of my life, after all. Especially if there’s a Real Housewives marathon on Bravo! Close the blinds, turn off my phone ringer, lock my door, don’t open my email because I’m unavailable.
Just kidding. I don’t have blinds.
Anyway, I have spent the better part of the last week trying to persuade my sister Betsy and my BFF Hyacinth (on a three-way text thread) to stop everything they’re doing and watch the following shows/documentaries. Betsy finally relented and watched one of them last night, and since she’s on Seattle time, I was deep in R.E.M. sleep when she texted me the following, which I read this morning when I woke up:
I CANNOT WATCH THIS!!
Help me!
The cousin-in-law in St. Louis!!
Ugh
I freaking CAN’T
Are you freaking kidding me?!?!?!?!
Psycho
Sorry
Such nice people!!!!!
Soul wrenching
Uggggggh
I won’t reveal which of the below documentaries elicited her responses, but some of you might be able to tell. Also, I will tell you that this morning, when I texted her to ask her if she was okay, Bets responded:
I’ll get back to you. I’m busy diagnosing your illness.
Such a kidder! Haha! (Ha?) Evidently, neither Betsy nor Hyacinth understands my interest in crime documentaries, as it doesn’t jibe, they say, with my sunny disposition and optimistic worldview.
So, despite the sister and BFF naysayers, my whole point of this post is for me to tell you the four documentaries I have watched lately that I think are really worth watching. From a human interest standpoint, from a justice standpoint, from an empathy standpoint—and they are all just very well made and compelling. I’ve also invented a little ratings system for each one.
The Jinx (HBO Go)
Some of you have either seen this documentary or you already know about the story, but it is a must-see limited series that’s full of peculiarities (the main player being the most peculiar) and delivers a huge punch of justice at the end. It isn’t necessarily scary, but there are some disturbing elements. It’s one of those you-can’t-make-this-up stories of wealth, privilege, murder (and murder and murder), and again, don’t underestimate how satisfying it is to watch justice unfold—right there in front of you.
Overall Rating: 10
Have I watched this more than once: Yes
Will I watch it again: Yes
Did I cry: No
Will my sister watch it: Maybe not on her own but it will be required next time she visits the ranch. Fun sister time!
Making a Murderer (Netflix)
I suspect that if you have watched any of the documentaries on this list, you’ve likely watched this one. It’s a story most people hadn’t heard of until this documentary was made, but it’s gripping and bleak—narrated only by text on the screen and interviews with family, legal teams, news reporters, and other related parties. It’s a commitment at 10 long episodes, but when it was over, I didn’t want it to be. I want to talk about this case in a separate post, not necessarily to lay out all my thoughts about it, but to hear yours. (Feel free to weigh in in the comments.)
Overall Rating: 10
Have I watched this more than once: Yes
Will I watch it again: Yes
Did I cry: Yes
Will my sister watch it: I don’t think she trusts me anymore
The Keepers
This was recommended to me by several folks on Twitter after I had asked for documentary suggestions, and I watched it during a weekend I took Paige to a volleyball tournament in Dallas. (I have to have something to do between games and I’m sure not going to read a self-help book even thought I probably should.) This is a difficult story of a murdered nun whose students (now women in their sixties) are trying to solve her murder and bring about justice. There are themes of sexual abuse (and frank/graphic interviews) that are shocking and upsetting, but for the most part, it is a compelling and inspiring story about a teacher who touched lives and whose students won’t let her be forgotten.
Overall Rating: 9
Have I watched this more than once: No
Will I watch it again: Most likely, given my pattern
Did I cry: Yes
Will my sister watch it: Yes, if I trick her and tell her it’s about bees.
Dear Zachary
Okay, I’m just going to say it: This is the documentary Betsy watched last night, the one she won’t forgive me for. I wouldn’t have known about this film if not for my inquiry on Twitter, and I had zero idea what it was about when I watched it. It’s a simple, narrated collection of old movies, photos, and news stories centered around the murder of a well-loved young doctor…and all the devastating chaos that follows. It’s a short 90-plus minutes, which is crazy to me considering how much pain and emotion is packed into that timeframe.
I’m sure this reads a bit like a warning not to watch Dear Zachary; on the contrary, it is ultimately inspiring and touching at the end. You just have to endure an ocean of tears to get there. And when I say “tears,” I don’t mean grab a Kleenex and dab your eyes type of tears. I mean I was face down on my bed, sobbing into a pillow and Marlboro Man had to come in and ask what had happened. I’m crying right now as I type this, and I’m not exaggerating. Watch it now, just make sure you don’t have to go out anywhere for a few hours.
Or days.
Overall Rating: 10
Have I watched it more than once: No
Will I watch it again: Maybe, but will have to wait years
Did I cry: No. I sobbed.
Will my sister watch it: Yes she did. And we are now estranged.
___________
Let me know if you have seen any of these, what you think, and whether you’re in Betsy/Hyacinth’s camp or mine when it comes to documentaries.
Love,
I Should Be Cleaning my House and Planning My Garden
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