American Murder: Laci Peterson

This is one of the better true crime docs I've seen, and I've seen a lot.

True crime is a tough genre, as there's sometimes too much emphasis on the procedural aspect while forgetting that this happened to a real person with a real family.

This series made me feel like I understood the person Laci was and why people loved her. The interviews from her friends and mother especially showed so much of her personality and heart when she no longer can. Knowing the person she was made me all the angrier when they examined the evidence towards her husband. How someone can snuff out a life like that and then go on as if nothing happened is something I will never understand.

I'm too young to have seen any of the media surrounding this when it happened, so I'm glad they put out this series to show another generation what happened ( And to prevent the husband from ever leaving prison. I know there are still people saying he is innocent which astounds me.)

Overall a good true crime docuseries that respects the victim and displays the facts while still showing other's opinions. Would recommend.

It seems that audiences today are quick to harshly criticize Netflix's true crime offerings, often overlooking the quality in their rush to judgment. Yes, Netflix is a business, and making money is part of the game-no surprises there. But let's not lose sight of the craftsmanship involved. This documentary was not only well-made but also genuinely engaging, drawing viewers in with its meticulous storytelling and a narrative that unfolds clearly and effectively. The pacing keeps you on edge without feeling rushed, ensuring that every chilling detail of this gruesome yet utterly captivating story sinks in. Despite not knowing anything about the case beforehand, I found the documentary strikingly balanced, presenting the facts in a way that felt objective and unvarnished. This is a gripping watch that delivers both on intrigue and substance, far exceeding what one might expect from a typical true crime production. Don't let the naysayers sway you-this is a compelling addition to the genre.

This case riveted the American news in the late 1990's. A beautiful young pregnant woman goes missing on Christmas Eve and the most obvious suspect is her husband, Scott. I am very familiar with the story because I followed it closely at the time it happened. This documentary does not really offer anything new; however, it does a good job of summarizing all that happened in and around the disappearance, investigation, arrest, and trial. The documentary is filled with modern interviews with investigators and family. It is also filled with archival news footage. It is sad, but good. I know Peterson is still actively trying to overturn his conviction and claiming his indiscretions had nothing to do with her murder. This is three episodes but not too long.

Laci Peterson disappears, husband Scott contacts The Police to report it. Laci's family are keen to support Scott, who's behaviour seems curious to say the least, until details of an affair come to light.

I've seen a few documentaries about this story, some decent, some not so, this is the best one so far. I was worried that it would be overlong, Netflix does have a habit of padding out documentaries, here though they get the balance just right.

I think it's a very balanced examination of the case, they give both sides of the argument, we hear from the loved ones of both Laci and Scott, we also hear from the legal teams on both sides, you're given enough information to form your own opinion.

Scott's interviews, worth checking out, he genuinely looks blank, somehow dead behind the eyes, it seems almost impossible to believe a word he says, I just didn't get why he didn't show any signs of being upset.

I was impressed by the strength of Laci's family, it must have been such a harrowing effort to speak about poor Laci.

8/10.

This documentary is well done in a way that respectfully honors Laci's memory. Hearing first hand from Laci's friends and family brings you through the whole emotional rollercoaster they experienced and the nightmare that they lived. It also does a great job of portraying how the media played a role before the time of smart phones.

I watched the three episodes in one sitting because I was so invested in the process of the family finding answers and getting closure. If you're looking for brutal details of the actual murder, then this documentary isn't for you. It was made with Laci's family and friends, who want you to know who Laci was as a person. I also appreciated the filmmakers decision to add resources and information for domestic violence victims.