Netflix’s “Amanda Knox,” a documentary about the woman herself and the crime she was acquitted of twice in Italy, is a steely, startling film. It reads like David Fincher film with its monochromatic colors, sharp lettering and lengthy, artsy shots of blood and body parts–yet it tries to remain distant from letting the audience know where the filmmakers stood on the issue.
It features interviews with Knox, her Italian boyfriend at the time, several of the investigators and reporters spliced by newsreels and, shockingly, forensic video footage of the crime scene. Though the documentary’s tone is fairly neutral, letting all players in the story tell their account of what had happened to Amanda’s roommate, Meredith Kercher, it appears that at least one foot is firmly in Amanda Knox’s corner, believing her innocence.
The documentary really gets into the investigation, highlighting bits and pieces of evidence that caused arrests and acquittals. It has interviews with Italian forensic specialists who help explain the evidence and its validity in the investigation. The documentary is not afraid to go over that Amanda may have faced a “trial by media” which made her guilty before she could even set foot into the courtroom. There are even bits of audio recordings from Amanda’s prison visits and a Skype call with another suspect, Rudy Guede.
The documentary remains stunning and really keeps you on the edge of your seat, even though you know the outcome. I would recommend this film for anyone who likes true crime dramas and journalism.
