The Crash
The brief
Director Gareth Johnson turns what could have been another true crime retread into something that genuinely unsettles you, following the slow unraveling of a car crash that killed two teens. The pacing deliberately mirrors a legal investigation - methodical, patient, with each new detail shifting your perspective on what really happened that night. It avoids the sensationalism that plagues most crime docs, instead creating this creeping dread as the evidence mounts. Perfect for fans of The Staircase or anyone who prefers their true crime served cold and clinical rather than exploitative.
The verdict
If you have the patience for methodical, clinical true crime that builds dread through careful investigation rather than flashy revelations, this is essential viewing for fans of The Staircase. If you prefer your documentaries with faster pacing or more dramatic storytelling, the deliberately slow legal procedural approach will likely test your endurance.
Watch with
- 👤 Solo viewing for deep contemplation
- 👥 True crime enthusiasts and mature friends
- ⚠️ Avoid with those sensitive to car accidents
Heads up
- Fatal car crash (central to story) (moderate)
- Teen death and violence (moderate)
- Discussion of murder and premeditation (frequent)
Credits
- Director
- Gareth Johnson
- Cast
- Mackenzie Shirilla, Dominic Russo, Davion Flanagan, Rosie Graham, Bubba Turner, Natalie Shirilla, Steve Shirilla
Official synopsis
A teen slams her car into a building, killing her boyfriend and his friend. What seems like a tragic accident becomes a murder case.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Both explore trauma's aftermath through methodical investigations of violence.
Total runtime: 1h 35m + 1h 29m = 3h 4m
