Unveiling the Truth: 'American Murder: The Family Next Door' Documentary Review

Is 'American Murder: The Family Next Door' a must-watch for crime enthusiasts?

As of my last update in August 2023, 'American Murder: The Family Next Door' is a compelling documentary detailing the tragic and complex case of Chris and Shanann Watts. While this movie does not require extensive background research, previous knowledge of the Watts case can certainly enhance the viewing experience. I recommend going through my two-part expose on the Chris and Shanann Watts case for a more comprehensive understanding.

Quick Background on the Watts Case

Chris and Shanann Watts met in North Carolina in around 2010 and married in 2012. Shanann, a second-time wife, moved to Colorado with Chris for their new life together. Their family was growing, with Bella born in 2013, followed by another child in 2015. Shanann was pregnant with their son when tragedy struck.

Chris began an affair with his co-worker, a relationship Shanann was unaware of. The couple fell into conflict, and Shanann sought solace by visiting her family in North Carolina, only to be severely ill-treated by Chris's mother. Upon returning to Colorado, Shanann took a business trip with her co-worker. Last known recordings showed her alive on August 13th, after which the family's lives changed irrevocably.

Netflix Documentary: 'American Murder: The Family Next Door'

'American Murder: The Family Next Door' is a documentary that does not include a significant amount of narration. Instead, it focuses on presenting the never-before-seen footage from the criminal case. The movie begins by introducing the family through Shanann's social media posts, providing a glimpse of their daily life and the warmth of their relationship.

The documentary includes interviews from various sources, including friends and family members. These interviews offer insights into the Watts family dynamics and their struggles. The absence of narration makes the documentary more of a silent, yet powerful, exploration of a tragic event.

Unique Characteristics of the Film

One of the most striking features of 'American Murder: The Family Next Door' is its use of unedited and never-before-seen footage. This approach provides a raw, unfiltered view of the criminal case. The visuals are stark, and the emotions are palpable, which can be both confronting and emotionally draining for viewers.

The absence of narration means that the viewer must piece together the story from the provided footage and interviews. This can make the experience more personal and engaging, but it also requires the viewer to have a good understanding of the case. For those who want a more structured narrative, my previous exposés on the Watts case provide a detailed and comprehensive background.

Rating and Recommendation

I recommend 'American Murder: The Family Next Door' with two thumbs up. However, it is crucial to watch it after you have a good understanding of the Watts case. The documentary is more of a visual exploration of a tragic event, and the lack of narration can make it challenging for viewers who are not familiar with the case.

If you plan to watch it, go through my two-part exposé on the Chris and Shanann Watts case to enhance your viewing experience. The movie is a powerful depiction of a real-life tragedy, and while it may be disturbing at times, it is a documentary that manages to bring the case to life through its raw and unfiltered approach.

In conclusion, 'American Murder: The Family Next Door' is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on the Watts case. While it may not be for everyone, those with a fondness for true crime and a desire for an unfiltered view of a tragic event will undoubtedly find it compelling.