Netflix subscribers have been expressing identical reactions mere minutes into the streaming service's newest true crime offering, 'The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot.' The series, which initially aired on Channel 4 in 2024, is now available on Netflix, Disney+, and Channel 4, bringing the chilling real-life case to a wider audience.
What's the Case About?
The series chronicles the story of Victoria Cilliers, a skydiver who survived a 4,000ft fall after both her parachutes failed. Despite catastrophic injuries, she miraculously lived. Police later investigated and suspected her husband of attempted murder, uncovering a web of affairs, debt, sex clubs, escorts, and murderous intent.
The Unconventional Format
Unlike typical true crime documentaries, 'The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot' blends dramatised reconstructions with interviews from key figures, including detectives and Victoria Cilliers herself. It also includes behind-the-scenes footage of actors portraying the events. This hybrid approach has proved distracting for many viewers.
On the Netflix subreddit, one viewer wrote: 'Is anyone watching this? I love a bit of true crime and watch a lot of documentaries but god this is so excruciatingly painful to get through. Incredibly boring and they've gone for this documentary and acted drama mashup that really doesn't work. I'm aware of the details of this case and this should be a one hour documentary max, not three 45 mins episodes. I've stopped 20 mins in.'
Another viewer agreed: 'A fascinating story, but it was a complete muddle the way they did it.' A third commenter added: 'Very distracting... There was one point where the director was front of camera and I wondered if it was the director or an actor playing the director... Once I was able to focus on the story it was very effective but I think it would be equally effective done conventionally because of the source material.'
Impact on Viewing Experience
The series has three 45-minute episodes, which some critics argue is too long for the story. Despite the compelling nature of the case, the format has left many viewers struggling to stay engaged. According to the synopsis, the series explores how two detectives uncovered a plot involving affairs, debt, and murderous intent.
'The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot' is currently streaming on Netflix, Disney+, and Channel 4.
