True crime enthusiasts must add this 'horrifying' series to their watchlists. Netflix viewers have recently been gripped by The Crash, which explores the chilling case of Mackenzie Shirilla. However, many binge-watched the film in one sitting and are now searching for another compelling documentary.
Those fans are in luck, as Reddit users have recommended a two-part documentary that makes for an ideal weekend watch. Titled I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth v. Michelle Carter, it is available to stream on HBO Max.
What Is the Documentary About?
As the title suggests, the documentary delves into the infamous trial of Michelle Carter, then 17, who was accused of encouraging her 18-year-old boyfriend Conrad Roy to commit suicide. Roy took his own life in 2014 by poisoning himself with carbon monoxide fumes in his truck. Carter later found herself at the centre of a criminal case over text messages in which she encouraged Roy to take his own life.
She was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in June 2017 and later sentenced to 15 months in prison. Directed by Erin Lee Carr, the documentary features footage from the trial and reflects on the complex case. HBO's synopsis teases: 'This two-part documentary about the texting suicide case that captured national interest raises difficult questions about technology, mental health, and whether or not one teenager can be held responsible for the suicide of another.'
How Does It Compare to 'The Crash'?
The HBO docuseries is considered 'better than' The Crash, according to viewer ratings. The Crash holds a respectable 64% Rotten Tomatoes score, while I Love You, Now Die boasts an 83% score from audiences.
The series also features glowing reviews. One IMDb user stated: 'It's rare that a true crime documentary shows both sides of the argument without bias and I think this one finally does. It's so incredibly shocking and interesting to watch. You get a lot more insight into the crime than what was portrayed in the media, and we hear from the family of the victim. Whatever your personal belief on this is (I'm on the 'guilty' side) it will still have you thinking both ways.'
Another fan praised: 'This story is the most tragically heart-breaking story I have ever heard,' while another shared online: 'Fascinating and often horrifying.' Meanwhile, an impressed viewer wrote on Letterboxd: 'A totally disgusting yet undeniably compelling documentary [...]. It was F****D UP. But like a car-crash, I had to see it through.'
I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth v. Michelle Carter is streaming on HBO Max and available to purchase on Prime Video.
