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Chronicles the bizarre and psychologically complex story of six individuals who were convicted for the 1985 murder of a beloved 68- year-old grandmother, Helen Wilson, in Beatrice, Nebraska.Chronicles the bizarre and psychologically complex story of six individuals who were convicted for the 1985 murder of a beloved 68- year-old grandmother, Helen Wilson, in Beatrice, Nebraska.Chronicles the bizarre and psychologically complex story of six individuals who were convicted for the 1985 murder of a beloved 68- year-old grandmother, Helen Wilson, in Beatrice, Nebraska.
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As Episode 1 of "Mind Over Murder" (2022 release; 6 episodes of about 55 min each) opens, we find ourselves in a remote small Nebraska town called Beatrice, population 12,669. Various Beatrice residents introduce themselves and speak directly into the camera. Then we learn that in February, 1985, a 68 yr old grandma called Helen Wilson was brutally raped and murdered, causing a seismic shock in the small community. Who could've done such a horrible and heinous crime? At this point we are 10 min into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary of Nanfy Wang ("One Child Nation"). Here she reassesses the events of February, 1985 and how it all plays out afterwards. I don't want to go into more specifics in case you are not fully aware of this case. Let's just say that there are quite a number of "twists" along the way, I mean you can't make this stuff up because it wouldn't be believable. Indeed once again these facts are stranger than fiction. The film makers do a good job of covering all the different possibilities. It's truly like making a 1,500 pieces puzzle, one piece at the time.
"Mind Over Murder" premiered a couple of weeks ago on HBO and a new episode comes out every Monday (and then stream on HBO Max). We are now 3 episodes into it, and I can't wait to see the remaining 3 episodes. If you love true crime and a good documentary, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary of Nanfy Wang ("One Child Nation"). Here she reassesses the events of February, 1985 and how it all plays out afterwards. I don't want to go into more specifics in case you are not fully aware of this case. Let's just say that there are quite a number of "twists" along the way, I mean you can't make this stuff up because it wouldn't be believable. Indeed once again these facts are stranger than fiction. The film makers do a good job of covering all the different possibilities. It's truly like making a 1,500 pieces puzzle, one piece at the time.
"Mind Over Murder" premiered a couple of weeks ago on HBO and a new episode comes out every Monday (and then stream on HBO Max). We are now 3 episodes into it, and I can't wait to see the remaining 3 episodes. If you love true crime and a good documentary, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
A mark of intelligence is the willingness and ability to change one's perception as new information becomes available. It's rarely seen among group thinkers, be it a tight knit neighborhood or a virtual community with an opinion. The movie Mind over Murder is remarkable when we see people literally putting themselves in others' situations, changing their minds and imparting their collective gained wisdom on others.
As I suspected those slamming the series did not watch through to the end. At first I too was put off a bit by the pacing and the play aspect, but then I began to understand the reason for it. By the last episode I knew I was seeing something truly unique and a project that tangibly led to healing in this small town.
The true crime murder component of the movie is a vehicle for what I saw as something far more meaningful which is humans softening and beginning to understand one another in the face of heightened emotion and years of pain and solidifying opinions. It is something the residents of our world need so much. This docuseries was life changing for so many people who were in pain. I felt that while watching the last episode. Are there moments of cringe? Yes. But they serve a purpose. Give it a chance. We learn in the movie that some people simply don't want to hear the truth after investing so many years in a certain way of thought. I recommend softening, opening your mind and then diving in to this.
As I suspected those slamming the series did not watch through to the end. At first I too was put off a bit by the pacing and the play aspect, but then I began to understand the reason for it. By the last episode I knew I was seeing something truly unique and a project that tangibly led to healing in this small town.
The true crime murder component of the movie is a vehicle for what I saw as something far more meaningful which is humans softening and beginning to understand one another in the face of heightened emotion and years of pain and solidifying opinions. It is something the residents of our world need so much. This docuseries was life changing for so many people who were in pain. I felt that while watching the last episode. Are there moments of cringe? Yes. But they serve a purpose. Give it a chance. We learn in the movie that some people simply don't want to hear the truth after investing so many years in a certain way of thought. I recommend softening, opening your mind and then diving in to this.
There are a few things I don't like about it, but many that I do. It's artfully produced and certainly not a waste of time. At some point I think the town folk even mention that the series is bringing a lot of money to Beatrice, and are urged to cooperate as much as possible with the crew. In the end you get a story full of candor, contradiction and absurdity in equal parts.
Above all, it manages to humanize all the characters despite the extraordinary tale, which itself is quite a feat. Even when they disagree you find a way to relate to each of them. Seeing the same picture from different perspectives is important as you look to explore the key question posed throughout the series: What do you do when the truth you've believed for 35 years may actually be false? There are no easy answers for the individuals, much less for the community.
Above all, it manages to humanize all the characters despite the extraordinary tale, which itself is quite a feat. Even when they disagree you find a way to relate to each of them. Seeing the same picture from different perspectives is important as you look to explore the key question posed throughout the series: What do you do when the truth you've believed for 35 years may actually be false? There are no easy answers for the individuals, much less for the community.
This is one of the best documentaries we have ever watched. The director did an excellent job of making you feel a certain way in the first half of the series and then completely flip the switch in the second half. You cannot make up the crazy crap that happened in this case! The only part of this documentary I was not a fan of was the parts showing the town play being discussed with the actors and the play itself. I get why the director put it in there because by the end of the play, one of the family members finally got to see/hear all of the facts of the case. So I get it, but found that aspect of it quite boring and almost unnecessary. Whatever you do, do NOT start googling the case, I know it gets slow sometimes, but hang in there because it's so worth it! This case will sit with me for a bit. It's insane!
This is a really sad but interesting case in a town full of characters. I like how the victim is not lost. We get to meet her through old movies, tape recordings, and family members.
The only draw back to this documentary is the intermingling of the actual case and the side project play and it's actors. While watching it feels as if it/they are completely unnecessary and only serve to drag this doc out, but stick it out because it all collides in ep 6.
It is mind blowing how badly this case was handled. So many people drug through the mud and a family left with wrong answers and so much grief all for one guys ego.
The only draw back to this documentary is the intermingling of the actual case and the side project play and it's actors. While watching it feels as if it/they are completely unnecessary and only serve to drag this doc out, but stick it out because it all collides in ep 6.
It is mind blowing how badly this case was handled. So many people drug through the mud and a family left with wrong answers and so much grief all for one guys ego.
Did you know
- ConnectionsReferenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 855: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2022)
- How many seasons does Mind Over Murder have?Powered by Alexa
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