The Speedway Murders

I was initially unsure about the narrative style in which the actors who portray the victims walk through and discuss the various theories themselves, however by the end I knew the directors had nailed it in a truly humanizing way.

This true crime docu-drama is unique not only in its narrative structure, but also in the quality of the production design, soundtrack, cinematography, use of colour, and tasteful, high quality reenactment scenes and dialogue.

The filmmakers clearly earned the trust of the various witnesses, police officers and family and friends of the victims as evidenced by the degree of openness and emotion demonstrated by them in the film.

By the end, I was in tears.

This is done in a unique way, it mixes interviews with all the key players (family, suspects, friends of suspects), with dramatisations giving voice to the victims - there are actors playing the four victims and talking to each other (in character, in the restaurant, as they clean up etc) about the case and the likelihood of each theory. At first I thought, "this is a bit cheesy, c'mon guys". But after a while I realised how good it is. So sad. Senseless. Giving the victims actual life, mixed in with family interviews makes it even sadder. The polite 17 yr old girl who kept a diary, looking forward to turning 18 soon. The guy wanting to make the basketball team. The other guy wanting some pocket money for xmas presents. Such a bloody waste by a cold blooded killer.

I wasn't aware of this tragic event, so watching it was both sad and interesting (in a strange way).

In 1978 four teenagers who all work together at a fast food restaurant are tragically killed. The story is told in a respectful manner, goes into detail and moves at a good pace. A few different scenarios of the evening are proposed. You will find yourself trying to pick the most likely scenario to crack the case.

The story has an interesting twist as actors play the victims who speak about the tragic night. This gives the documentary a slightly deeper insight. You feel sorrow for each teenager, their friends and family.

The world is a terrible place at times.

The filmmakers' approach to telling this story is unique, compassionate, and effective as they put forth multiple competing theories, from the perspective of detectives, witnesses, families, and the victims themselves.

We attended a premiere screening in Indianapolis, followed by a Q&A with the (Australian!) filmmakers and several of the key players featured in the production. The "Burger Chef murders," the name by which locals know the tragic crime, has haunted locals for more than 40 years. Even though we have never forgotten about it, the film presented a great deal of information and insight that had not previously come to light.

One of the best true crime films I've seen. Cannot recommend highly enough.

I was very much looking forward to this documentary because I have been following this unsolved case for quite a while now...several years. I was very impressed with the style and format on how it was presented. I also liked that they explored several known theories on why this senseless crime happened. I absolutely LOVED how they brought these people back to life for us. It was hauntingly beautiful, and I didn't want it to end. I don't usually like to give a perfect score for anything, but I was just so captivated with this film. The authenticity to time and culture of 1978 mid American teenagers was spot on as well.