It seems like the world cannot get enough of documentaries nowadays. And in this cold, rainy weather, nothing beats cozying up at home and binge-watching suspensefully narrated docuseries about the world outside. So for those who are yearning for something fresh, HBO has got a whole batch for you!
#1 MEA MAXIMA CULPA: SILENCE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD
Remember the movie Spotlight? Then you’d remember feeling the same shock as the characters in the movie once they realized how many pedophile priests were in Boston (close to 90!). Similarly, this documentary will take you down a dark path as it investigates Father Lawrence Murphy, a charismatic Milwaukee priest who sexually abused more than 200 deaf children. This investigation was monumental beyond the cinematic screens. It resulted in lawsuits and unveiled just how high up this cover-up had to have gone. It is heart-wrenching to watch the deaf men’s sufferings inflicted by the priest they once trusted and invigorating to see them finally have their voices heard.
#2 THE CHESHIRE MURDERS
This documentary is about a brutal home invasion turned triple homicide in a small town of Cheshire, Connecticut. It takes you behind the scenes of the case, starting from the morning of the murder to two death-penalty trials years later. In the face of such a senselessly violent crime, this documentary helps you find explanations to a surprisingly satisfactory degree. You will get to explore the depths of the hidden human psychosis in the characters as well as in yourself.
#3 JIM: THE JAMES FOLEY STORY
Directed by Foley’s childhood friend Brian Oakes, the film chronicles the life of American photojournalist James “Jim” Foley. In 2012, ISIS kidnapped in Syria while he was reporting on the Syrian Civil War. This was before ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq) was well-known in the mainstream media. After holding him hostage for 2 years, ISIS released the now infamous video of Foley’s beheading. This documentary will keep you captivated with the rare insights into Foley’s work and captivity as well as the profound impact he had on fellow hostages.
#4 BEWARE THE SLENDERMAN
You might remember the disturbing news story from back in 2016 when two 12-year old girls were arrested and sentenced for stabbing one of their friends. The story gets a bizarre twist when it’s revealed that the girls claim to have done it for Slender Man, a fictional monster from an internet phenomenon called “creepypasta.” This documentary contains interviews with family and friends who are still trying to make sense of it all.
#5 GOING CLEAR: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE PRISON OF BELIEF
Scientology has always been somewhat of a mystery no matter how many times Tom Cruise tried to explain it. The director Alex Gibney (who also directed Mea Maxima Culpa) turns his attention to Scientology in this documentary Going Clear. Gibney profiles eight former members who give us rare insights into the inner workings of the church and what it means to be a Scientologist.
Do you want more? Check out this site for more HBO documentary recommendations!
