Movies

This devastating new true-crime series is the best Netflix has released in ages

BBG News

The upcoming true-crime documentary series on Netflix, titled “American Murder: Gabby Petito“, is undeniably hard to watch but showcases the power of this genre at its finest.

It’s quite possible that you’re already familiar with the tale, even if some specifics are missing. Be it a video appearing on your TikTok “For You” feed, watching a different documentary about it (such as ITV’s), or staying updated through news headlines when events were unfolding, chances are Gabby Petito’s name isn’t entirely unknown to you.

Last August, at only 22 years old, Gabby tragically lost her life during a trip across America with her partner Brian Laundrie. For quite some time, she had cherished the idea of embarking on a road journey, and she was striving to establish herself as a popular online figure showcasing travel experiences, intending to start a new YouTube channel by sharing videos of her adventures.

When there was no communication from Gabby for a while, her family grew concerned and reported her as missing. It later became known that Brian had returned to his parents’ house by himself in the vehicle they had been sharing, and he was unwilling to discuss Gabby’s location. This led to suspicions arising.

Following an extensive investigation involving widespread media reports and popular social media discussions, Gabby Petito’s remains were discovered in a Wyoming national park on September 19. A coroner determined the cause of death to be strangulation, classifying it as a homicide (according to CNN). It was suspected that her body had been there for several weeks.

Brian Laundrie was identified as someone who authorities are focusing on, but he mysteriously vanished too when he didn’t return from a hike. According to the Laundrie family’s legal representative, they think that Brian departed their home on September 13, based on a sequence of events shared by CNN.

Back in October 2021, the deceased body of Brian Laundrie was located. The authorities determined his death as self-inflicted. Remnants of personal belongings were also uncovered at the site, including a notebook, where Brian admitted to Gabby’s murder (as reported by CNN).

The topic of violence against women is unfortunately quite familiar and dominates much of the crime media we engage with. Critics often claim this genre can be exploitative. However, the case of American Murder: Gabby Petito transcends these typical portrayals.

In the heartfelt recounting of Gabby’s tale, she takes center stage in most scenes. By doing so, the storyteller offers an intimate, firsthand account of her experiences.

The story becomes more profound due to the active participation of her loved ones, who are integral parts of the narrative. The three-part series features candid and emotional conversations with them, and as the story progresses throughout the documentary episodes, a vivid portrait emerges through shared anecdotes and memories, along with vlog footage that Gabby herself captured.

Although there are unsettling aspects and unresolved queries within the Netflix series, it refrains from sensationalizing its topic or employing it for dramatic twists or shocking cliffhangers – issues often encountered in other true-crime narratives, not always with a justifiable outcome.

Alternatively, every piece of evidence presented – be it police bodycam footage, previously unseen in its entirety, or private text exchanges – contributes to constructing the narrative and offering a more comprehensive perspective.

Titled “American Tragedy: The Story of Gabby Petito,” this work offers a heartbreaking depiction of a young woman who desperately needed assistance, and the heart-wrenching outcomes when such aid is either ignored, unrequited, or delayed. In November 2024, UN Women released a report revealing that, on average, one woman or girl loses her life at the hands of an intimate partner or family member every 10 minutes.

At the conclusion of the recently released Netflix documentary, Gabby’s parents passionately expressed their desire for her story to inspire others, and this documentary serves as a foundation for that enduring legacy they envision. Moreover, they utilized the platform to discuss the Gabby Petito Foundation, whose aim is to transform their personal tragedy into a purpose by offering resources to aid those dealing with missing persons cases and supporting survivors.

In this documentary, a poignant final thought struck me hard: the staggering number of unsolved missing persons cases in America, which continues to rise without resolution. It’s heartbreaking that the media often overlooks the plight of those who aren’t white women, meaning their stories – stories that deserve to be told and heard – frequently remain untold, unheard, and even unreported in the headlines.

Watching the true crime content on Netflix can sometimes be overwhelming, yet I highly recommend you check out the series titled “American Murder: Gabby Petito“.

American Murder: Gabby Petito is now streaming on Netflix.

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2025-02-17 20:50

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