Instead of focusing predominantly on notorious murder cases and their enigmatic offenders when discussing true crime dramas, there seems to be a shift in the discourse happening now.
In summary, it appears that a variety of scenarios can lead to legal issues, as evident in recent performances such as this week’s Apple Cider Vinegar controversy, as well as past sensations like Dopesick, The Dropout, and the case between Mr. Bates and The Post Office.
The acclaimed titles under consideration here, each having made its mark, may prompt television producers to remember that the category is labeled as “true crime,” rather than “true gruesome crime.” Notably, many captivating narratives effectively avoid graphic violence.
Perhaps this thought may strike a chord with Ryan Murphy, particularly since his anthology series “Monsters” is often criticized for exploiting the gruesome nature of murder to generate profit. Regrettably, it seems that this approach brings little value to anyone beyond the producers.
In most instances, television shows based on real-life murder mysteries tend not to provide much of a mental workout for the production crew or offer thought-provoking content to the audience tuning in from home.
Rather than getting fixated, they often fall into one of two traps: an unhealthy fascination with violent criminals and their crimes that borders on fetishization (for example, as depicted in Monsters: Dahmer and The Menendez Brothers).
Another thought is about HBO’s dramatic adaptation of The Staircase, originally a documentary series with the same title. This new version portrayed various contentious deaths surrounding the late Kathleen Peterson, skillfully acted by Toni Collette.
As a keen admirer, there’s no denying Collette’s exceptional acting skills. Yet, as I delved into her performance for the third time, immersed in a sea of blood and listening to her raw, gut-wrenching cries, I found myself pondering the mysterious motivation behind her acceptance of this role, and HBO’s decision to produce it.
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A common mistake many people make is narrating their story in a manner that blends too closely with the numerous fictional detective series that currently fill our screens, making it hard to distinguish fact from fiction.
This method, compared to the previous one, tends to be less problematic, exhibiting a greater degree of respect. However, it often sparks significant annoyance due to its lack of forward-thinking or inspiring goals. Additionally, it’s worth noting that it has played a significant part in the uniformity of our cautious entertainment industry.
BBC One’s Steeltown Murders, featuring Philip Glenister and Steffan Rhodri, serves as an illustration of this style; it’s skillfully performed with an unpolished feel, yet it seems to lack drive and excitement, offering little novelty or clear intention.
In these tough financial times for television, it appears unnecessary to invest valuable time and resources in re-creating murder cases that, albeit tragic, offer no fresh insights for viewers who have likely witnessed similar scenarios multiple times.
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As a fervent admirer, I must say that unlike the ethical dilemmas and creative constraints associated with depicting actual murders, the current surge of non-traditional crime dramas offers a platform for innovation in style and atmosphere. Yet, they manage to enlighten and appall their viewers, maintaining an educational and thought-provoking impact.
Both Netflix’s series “An Apple for Belle Gibson” featuring Kaitlyn Dever, and Disney Plus’ show “The Dropout” starring Amanda Seyfried, explore astonishing instances of deceit on a grand scale, unveiling the stories behind two individuals.
This newly streaming production, made available as of this week, is strikingly pertinent to our present situation, tackling burning topics like misinformation, excessive social media usage, and the resulting desire to construct a perfect online identity.
In my humble opinion, both “Dopesick” and “Mr. Bates vs The Post Office” offer a gripping portrayal of the hardships faced by the powerless against the mighty corporation. These riveting productions shine a spotlight on the relentless pursuit of justice, revealing the grim reality of how these corporations can inflict harm without remorse.
As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the stark contrast between these two captivating productions. On one hand, Apple Cider Vinegar serves up a darkly humorous tale that tickles my funny bone. On the other, Dopesick leaves me utterly heartbroken, an emotional rollercoaster that’s as infuriating as it is tragic. It’s fascinating to see how real-life murder cases, typically confined by their grim reality, offer such a vast playground for creative expression.
![](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/02/michael-keaton-dopesick-d9be7c1.jpg)
The sensational headlines and large audience drawn by ITV’s four-part series on the Post Office clearly demonstrate that gripping true crime stories don’t necessarily require violence for impact – although it should be noted that such events can contribute to broader conversations.
In simpler terms, Ava DuVernay’s remarkable miniseries “When They See Us” tells the story of a 1989 crime where a woman was assaulted and raped in Central Park. However, the series mainly highlights the racial bias that led to the wrongful conviction of five African-American and Hispanic boys for this crime, shedding light on the broader issues of police practices and justice system flaws.
Furthermore, the BBC One drama Four Lives highlighted allegations of ingrained prejudice against homosexual individuals within the Metropolitan Police. This followed criticism leveled at the police force for not responding promptly to the crimes of serial killer Stephen Port, who specifically targeted users of a gay dating platform.
Moving forward, the film “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story” appears set to be another striking exception. Its central murder serves as a platform for a thought-provoking exploration of domestic abuse, sexism, and classism – issues that continue to plague British society 70 years after their initial occurrence.
![](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/12/four-lives-leo-flanagan-c82d525.jpg)
I find it crucial to explore murder cases as they can often be significant and enlightening, yet not every retelling needs to be sensationalized. Such dramatizations risk glorifying the perpetrators, dwelling on gruesome particulars, and potentially causing distress for the families of the victims.
It’s important to note that alternative crime tales, such as Apple Cider Vinegar and Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, aren’t free of victims – quite the contrary. However, their distinct and particular nature sets them apart in a way that makes it more compelling to re-examine them.
Furthermore, they offer practical insights about their topics, ranging from emphasizing the significance of careful online navigation, seeking expert medical counsel, to highlighting ongoing movements advocating for justice led by those who have been wronged.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that these productions offer a refreshing break from the intense portrayal of real-life violence, which can be far more unsettling and even addictive in factual dramas compared to their fictional equivalents.
Embrace Apple Cider Vinegar, a recent breakthrough in a thriving trend, as a forerunner of captivating, intellectually stimulating narratives that delve deeper than sensational true crime stories – contributing to the evolution of this genre and enhancing the quality of our media intake.
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2025-02-07 15:06