Murder on Middle Beach

I'm sitting here at a loss trying to put into words how much this documentary series has impacted me. I don't know that I can adequately describe it. I have never seen anything like this series. I had to write a review to let others know to watch this masterful piece of work. There is such an emotional payoff but it will wreck you at the same time. At this point, I will watch anything that Madison Hamburg makes in the future. He is so gifted and talented and I'm astounded at how intimately he conveyed his pain and loss and brought the viewers into his family. The level of vulnerability and courage that took just astounded me. I can't wait to see what he does next.

"Murder on Middle Beach" (2020 release; 4 episodes of about 55 min. each) is a TV documentary mini-series regarding the murder of Barbara Hamburg. As Episode 1 "Mom's Dead" opens, it is "March 3, 2010", and the local TV reporter informs the viewers that a body was found on Middle Beach Rd., in Madison, CT. The body is of a 48 yr. old woman, Barbara Hamburg. We briefly hear of Barbara's mother, sister, and her son Madison (who wrote, produced and directed this mini-series). We then go to "2013 Three Years After the Murder" and Madison is talking to his dad (Barbara's ex-husband), who confesses that "She had a life I had no idea she had"... At this point we are 10 min. into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: Madison Hamburg makes his feature length debut with this very personal look back to his mom's life and times, and yes, murder. While Episode 1 contains the usual "happy" memories of the couple's early years including the birth of their 2 children, it becomes also clear that several things just feel off (check the ex-husband's 2013 comment I mentioned, for starters). The opening episode is not only surprisingly plot-heavy almost from the get-go, but it also feels very dark, as if a lot more bad stuff is going to be revealed to us the viewers. Of course I'm not going to spoil anything, just watch! This feels like a labor of love from the son, who has spent years (literally) on this project. I must say that this opening episode drew me in almost immediately, and I can't wait to see how it's all going to play out in the remaining three episodes. Must-see true crime TV!

"Murder on Middle Beach" premiered this weekend on HBO and Episode 1 is now available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. New episodes air Sunday evenings at 10 pm Eastern. If you are a fan of true crime or simply love a documentary well made, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

You must appreciate this young man's efforts to document his moms murder and yes, it's an academic documentary at first. Keep watching! Once HBO gets hold of this, the production moves to another level of intrigue and mystery. Sure hope the murder gets solved.

The courage and utter perseverance for Madison to pursue his mother's murder is beyond heroic. My only light at the end of this dark tunnel is that Madison Hamburg is going to make it. Well done

I felt compelled to step in after reading some of these other reviews, which just seem needlessly harsh because they can't look past this kid's background and evaluate the storytelling.

To be fair, I agree with what some have said about the first episode being a bit slow. It hits many story beats that are now well worn territory in the true crime genre.

It definitely picked up a lot in the second episode for me though and I'm hoping the momentum continues. Other than the murder mystery (which I get the sense is unlikely to be solved by the end but who knows), what is mainly keeping me interested is the family dynamics that were kept secret from the filmmaker for most of his life, that he is now slowly uncovering. It definitely provoked a feeling I would bet that most people can relate to - how you can come to see your family in a different light once you have some distance from the innocence of your youth, for better or for worse.

At the end of episode 2, I went to play the next episode and was disappointed to find out that it hadn't been released yet. Overall, I'm excited to watch more and see where this is all going!

I loved this documentary. So engaging and twist-turning. I am hoping for a follow-up at some point in the future!