Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer, the 2003 documentary about American murderer Aileen Wuornos, is now available to stream on Channel 4, and viewers have admitted to being deeply disturbed by the chilling story.
The film, directed by Nick Broomfield, covers Wuornos' crimes and trial, which ended with her execution in 2002. Wuornos, a highway prostitute, was convicted of killing six men in Florida between 1989 and 1990.
Documentary synopsis and background
A synopsis for the film reads: "British documentarian Nick Broomfield creates a follow-up piece to his 1992 documentary of the serial killer Aileen Wuornos, a highway prostitute who was convicted of killing six men in Florida between 1989 and 1990.
"Interviewing an increasingly mentally unstable Wuornos, Broomfield captures the distorted mind of a murderer whom the state of Florida deems of sound mind -- and therefore fit to execute. Throughout the film, Broomfield includes footage of his testimony at Wuornos' trial."
The documentary is available to watch on Channel 4, along with Broomfield's original 1992 film, Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer. Those without access to Channel 4 can stream the movie on STV Player.
Viewer reactions to the film
Both critics and casual viewers have shared glowing reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes pundits giving the film an 85% score. However, fans have confessed they were deeply disturbed by Wuornos' story and execution.
One person posted: "Very bizarre and quite chilling documentary. It affected me and disturbed me in equal measure." Another agreed: "Ultimately this is a sad documentation of one woman's mental demise on death row and one can't help but feel empathetic towards Aileen and what her life amounted to."
A third viewer added: "A deeply disturbing documentary of the iconic serial killer Aileen Wuornos from the most acclaimed documentary film maker in the U.K, Nic Broomfield. The documentary goes much deeper, much further than anybody could have anticipated."
Yet another fan chimed in: "Chilling really sad story. This is one of those films that make you question your own humanity." Others were captivated, with one sharing: "Really fantastic I did not regret watching it," and another adding: "I was completely glued to the screen watching this documentary."
Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer is available to stream on Channel 4 and STV Player.
