Amanda Knox

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★★★★☆

Released on Netflix in 2016, this obviously expensive production which had been picked up by the streaming service is focused on the already quite fatigued but tragic case of the death of Meredith Kercher and the public obsession with American student Amanda Knox and her Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito. What makes this production unique however, is the level of access to Knox that was granted to the production team.
amanda knox documentary cover


With lots of engrossing interviews combined with archive footage and commentary on the court cases it does actually provide a good narrative of the story and with Knox herself taking part, it is finally what people perhaps have been waiting to see. Also with the years having passed, a more complete look back over what happened is possible and this feature-length documentary does exactly that.
Meredith Kercher
Meredith Kercher
Nick Pisa
Nick Pisa
Giuliano Mignini
The talking heads in this production are impressive. Nick Pisa, the British journalist that broke the story, gives an insight into the depressingly shallow world of tabloid journalism. Giuliano Mignini, the investigating detective in the case also takes part but stands firm on her guilt despite the overwhelming odds that the crucial forensic DNA was in fact from contamination. However, one gets the feeling his position is out of stubbornness and to protect himself and his department in such a high profile case rather than attempt to survive the massive fallout that would occur with a reversal of his position. 

Rafaele Sollecito
Rafaele Sollecito
Additionally, Rafaele Sollecito was also enticed to give a sit down interview which reveals little more than the awful experience of being young, naive and in police custody that the media has already covered. And then of course there is Amanda Knox herself, though hers has a definite air of a more rehearsed, scripted presentation. 

 And that is indeed the main flaw in this documentary. The sense of favour promised to Amanda in return for access. Far from impartial, it is somewhat of a PR exercise from the Knox camp. Though with the years of demonisation of her character - could you blame them?
Amanda Knox
Amanda Knox


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