Premise
Suicide, murder… or something else? This docuseries examines chilling truths and theories around the deaths of 11 members of a Delhi family.
Overview
Platform – Netflix
Release – 8 October, 2021
Runtime – 3 Episodes [miniseries]
Genre – Drama/Mystery/Thriller/True Crime
Review
NO Spoilers
Where do I even start with this?
I still very well remember watching this horrifying case unfold live on TV news channels at the time. A case which shook an entire nation to its core… THE case. The subsequent investigations, plus the various theories and speculations that followed were subject to a lot of media coverage not only in India, but overseas as well, given the nature of the whole ordeal.
Based on those very bone-chilling true events, this latest Netflix docuseries explores the possible explanations and motivations behind the 2018 mass suicide by eleven members of the same family, which took place in Delhi, India… now infamously known as – the Burari Deaths.
With just 3 episodes to go with, you’ll wonder if it has enough room to cover every detail of the case… and whether it does a good job of covering the case as a whole, and then clarifying the events to the viewer. Well, I had similar questions myself.
So then, did it live up to the expectations?
Let me tell you very honestly… IT DID!
Netflix has actually done a brilliant job in my opinion. This series will leave you speechless, at the same time portraying one of the most bizarre real-life news-makers in recent memory… like ever. Nearly all possible aspects of the case were covered in a short space of time, along with delivering a very good coverage of the whole saga… both before and after the incident. With views and opinions from people connected with it like the police, the media, forensics, neighbors, and the general masses, these 3 episodes are well and truly eye-opening to say the least.
And that’s about it. I’m not going to say anything more on this. Just go and have a watch for yourselves. It’s absolutely worth your time, and will definitely force you long and hard to think about yourself, your family/friends, and about life in general.
What was good about it?
- Short and sweet opening credits (different opening credits for each episode).
- Good ending credits as well.
- Eerie + tense BGM throughout.
- Good use of VFX/CGI.
- Little whispering sounds in the BGM make a very good impact.
- The narration is pretty impactful too.
- Very good editing altogether.
What was bad?
- Honestly, there’s nothing to be said here. No negatives about it whatsoever.
Some quotes/dialogues
“I don’t think… anybody has seen this kind of… crime scene… ever… in his life.”
“This was truly extraordinary.”
“Families have secrets… and they can be preserved at all sorts of costs.”
“So many questions that this case raised about my own beliefs and the society.”
“There is such a thin line between faith and delusion.”
“Obviously, some things went clearly very, very wrong.”
Final thoughts
- Opening message/text before Episode 1 – “The following series contains graphic depictions of suicide which some users may find troubling. Viewer discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, information and crisis resources available at www.wannatalkaboutit.com.”
- The vital message being delivered at the end is to be open about our mental health, and to share any issues/problems with our friends and family, rather than keeping it to ourselves.
Overall, an absolute must watch show! There’s no two-way about it. Just go and have a watch. I highly recommend it!
Rating: – 8.5/10 (Chilling!)
