When it comes to true crime documentaries where narratives often tread familiar ground, once in a while there are ones that just hit differently. While most crime stories that involve love triangles and jealousy are hardly interesting, the latest entry Lover, Stalker, Killer is far from mundane and is instead a chilling exploration of a crime so bizarre, it feels plucked from the annals of fiction.
Director Sam Hopkinson takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride through an absolutely bizarre and chilling story. Within the 90 mins runtime, events unfold with so many unexpected twists and intensity that it's impossible not to recommend this to anyone who is a fan of this genre.
The plot revolves around Dave Kroupa, a mechanic navigating the treacherous waters of online dating after a lengthy marriage. Little did he anticipate that his foray into digital romance would catapult him into a labyrinth of obsession and danger, with two women, Liz Golyar and Cari Farver, at the epicentre. What begins as promising connections soon unravels into a harrowing tale of harassment, manipulation, and ultimately, fatal consequences.
Hopkinson's directorial finesse guides the audience through a narrative replete with unexpected twists and turns, reminiscent of puzzles crafted by luminaries like Agatha Christie. While initial conjectures may lead one to speculate the outcome, the unfolding events shatter preconceptions and present complexity and intrigue that captivates from start to finish.
Presented as a movie rather than a series, Lover, Stalker, Killer enchants with its visual splendour. Intimate interviews interspersed with objective storytelling lend depth to the tale, immersing viewers in the emotional maelstrom experienced by its protagonists. Dave's candid reflections offer a poignant glimpse into his harrowing ordeal, while insights and interviews with law enforcement also help to create an era of suspense and intrigue. Also, as crazy and creepy things begin to happen to people around Dave, the more frightening and distressing things become, which escalates into the police becoming actively involved. There are also clips of videos and photos taken of Dave with the two different women he was dating, helping us get a better glimpse into his life and events that become almost unbelievable.
The narrative unfolds with masterful precision, striking a balance between revelation and restraint. Clips of personal footage and photographs provide invaluable insight into the lives ensnared in this chilling saga, showing the complexities of human relationships and the darkest recesses of the human psyche. Each interview and piece of footage is seamlessly woven together, painting a vivid portrait of a love triangle gone awry.
With all the true crime documentaries available on Netflix, Lover, Stalker, Killer is one of the better produced stories. It stands as a testament to the power of true crime storytelling when executed with finesse and precision. As tension mounts and paranoia takes hold, viewers are left to ponder the depths of human depravity lurking beneath the veneer of online romance. As the credits roll and the final details emerge, one is left with a sobering reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital age. This is a cautionary tale that reverberates long after the screen fades to black.
- Lover, Stalker, Killer
- Starring Ryan Avis, Jessica N Johnson, Chris Maher
- Directed by Sam Hobkinson
- Now streaming on Netflix
