The Most Compelling True-Crime Documentaries of 2024
Docu-mania has taken over online streaming services, pushing filmmakers to give insight into nation-gripping criminal cases and uncover new details in infamous cases in what may be the golden age of the true-crime genre.
These four documentaries, all released in 2024, may not be for the faint of heart, but they will have you at the edge of your seat.
Unraveling the Jury’s Dilemma: Murdaugh Case Exposed
One of the most talked-about true-crime documentaries this year involves the high-profile Alex Murdaugh murder trial. Two jurors, famously dubbed “Egg Juror” and “Juror Z,” have stepped into the spotlight, breaking their silence in a gripping Fox Nation documentary. With their stories finally shared, it feels as though the courtroom drama continues beyond its initial verdicts.
Myra Crosby, the woman behind “Egg Juror,” recalls an unsettling atmosphere, claiming that she was dismissed due to her doubts about Murdaugh’s guilt. Meanwhile, Mandy Pearce—renamed “Juror Z”—reveals her own conflict. Her guilty vote came with lingering uncertainties, influenced by others in the jury room. It makes one ponder—how much sway do group dynamics exert in moments demanding personal belief?
As Murdaugh serves a life sentence for the murders of his wife and younger son, his legal team continues to raise allegations of jury tampering. The case unfurls layers of complexity surrounding morality, guilt, and the human experience of navigating justice.
The Menendez Brothers: A Polarizing Portrait
This year also witnessed a resurgence of interest in the notorious Menendez brothers. Their actions in 1989—killing their parents in a Beverly Hills mansion—remain a subject of intense scrutiny and societal debate. The documentary showcases a raw and emotive retelling of the brothers’ plea for clemency, juxtaposed against the horrific reality of their crimes. The echo of their past reverberates within contemporary discussions about abuse, trauma, and the quest for understanding.
As viewers engage with their story, the question lingers: should we extend sympathy to those who claim they were victims of horrific circumstances? Or does the heinous nature of their actions overshadow their pleas?
Nicole Brown Simpson: Rediscovering a Life Beyond Tragedy
In a poignant exploration of Nicole Brown Simpson’s legacy, family and friends are given the opportunity to share their memories in a deeply felt four-part Lifetime series. In this documentary, Nicole’s sisters and friends—like Kris Jenner and Faye Resnick—offer insights meant to reclaim her identity beyond the tragic circumstances of her death. Ron Hardy’s heartfelt reflection encapsulates the struggle many face when memories are tainted by violence.
Every story carried in this series strives to illustrate who Nicole was before the tragedy, shedding light on her vibrant personality that, tragically, became obscured by her untimely demise.
Scott Peterson: The Fight for Innocence
Scott Peterson, despite his conviction, continues to advocate for his innocence in the disappearance of his pregnant wife, Laci. The renewed focus on his case through Netflix’s “American Murder: Laci Peterson” invites viewers to consider the complexities surrounding guilt and justice. Interviews feature Laci’s mother and Peterson’s former mistress, contributing to a layered narrative brimming with emotion and tension.
His assertions that outside forces led to tragedy generate discussion about accountability, as he maintains a veil of innocence while the courtroom drama unfolds in the public eye.
Charles Manson: Confessions from Beyond
Adding to the dark collection of 2024’s documentary offerings, “Making Manson” takes viewers through the mind of infamous cult leader Charles Manson. Utilizing previously unreleased conversations, this series sheds light on Manson’s tumultuous upbringing and the warped ideals that drove him to perpetrate numerous atrocities. Understanding his psyche brings forth questions of nature versus nurture, and whether understanding the monster can help us prevent future horrors.
These documentaries dive deep into the shadows of humanity while revealing enlightening truths. In a world where the lines between victim and perpetrator blur, the conversations ignited by these true-crime narratives persist, challenging viewers to confront their own beliefs about morality, justice, and the complexity of human nature.
