American Nightmare

As Episode 1 of "American Nightmare" (2024 release; 3 episodes of about 45 min.) opens, we are introduced to Aaron and Denise, a couple in their late 20s in Vallejo, CA. Then shockingly, Denise is kidnapped in the middle of the night, and Aaron doesn't call 911 until the next afternoon... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from director Felicity Morris ("The Tinder Swindler"). Here she reassess events from 2015 when a woman is kidnapped (or was she?), and the boyfriend is an immediate suspect by the Vallejo PD and the FBI. I had not heard of this true crime case before, and it is super plot heavy, so the less said on that, the better. I will simply comment that once again if this was presented as fiction, it would lack credibility. But facts are stranger than fiction. Morris does an outstanding job presenting all the different aspects, and doesn't waste a second. My only complaint is the series' title, which is unnecessarily generic and surely someone could've come up with something more relevant.

"American Nightmare" started streaming on Netflix a few days ago. I watched all 3 episodes in a single setting. If you are in the mood for a kidnapping case that is bizarre, to say the least, but along the way makes for riveting viewing, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

"American Nightmare" is a short documentary that enrages you, not because it's a low-quality production - it's quite the opposite: It enrages you because it does an effective job of exposing injustice and incompetence from authorities who are supposedly here to serve and protect. You are reminded of the barriers women face when victimized. This is why most do not report. To this day, even post-Harvey Weinstein and the strong feminist movement, female victims are still not believed. It's easier to just forget that this is happening in our society, but thanks to good documentaries like this one, we are reminded that not only do victims get victimized twice, the law enforcement victimizers are actually rewarded and not punished for their smug incompetence.

Aaron Quinn is arrested when his girlfriend Denise Huskins is apparently kidnapped, Aaron tells The Police an elaborate story about being kidnapped, bound and gagged, he isn't believed, days later, Denise reappears.

This is one of the best Netflix documentaries for a little while, it's a harrowing, thought provoking series, it is such a shocking, bizarre story.

The Police come out of this looking, very, very bad, initially I thought it was a case of never believe the man, but I was wrong, Denise's treatment was diabolical, some of The actions of Detectives, appalling.

Very well produced, well made, and there is some fascinating insight. It's of course done in a way to make you feel angry with events, and I believe it's done in a way to evoke particular emotions, which I'm sure you will.

Some of the interviews are truly harrowing and upsetting, some of the content is pretty shocking.

I'm glad it was done over three episodes and not more, it was well paced, and didn't lull at any point.

Intriguing, well done Netflix.

8/10.

This was an eye-opening experience for me. At the beginning you think the authorities are doing a good job and coming to valid conclusions, and you agree with the conclusions. Then things change.

The organization of the documentary and the editing make so good. The way it is presented keeps you interested to the point that you will most likely binge it. It is hard to turn it off.

In the end one person who is sincere and so admirable for understanding the responsibility entrusted by the public saves the day. And the integrity and stalwartness of this person flood you with a warm and grateful feeling.

Loved this absolutely.

This documentary was very intriguing.

The slow start, the presentaion of events and the unbelievable stories led me to thinking, yep this is a Gone Girl copy but for real!

I vaguely remember the story but not the outcome.

The way the couple were individually shown in both police interviews and even the Netflix interviews truly sounded like the kidnapping was not true and actually bizarre.

I placed trust in the police investigation as that has been my point of truth but now find I need remove my bias and think more carefully about jumping to conclusions.

Watch this and draw your own conclusions.