Netflix’s documentaries are some of the best in the business. The streaming giant has scores of truly riveting documentaries in its library. Now, Netflix is about to premiere another intriguing documentary on its platform, one that is perfect for the Halloween season. Titled ‘The Devil on Trial’, the documentary film premieres on Netflix worldwide on 17th October, 2023.
‘The Devil On Trial’, also known as the notorious ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ case, centres on the 1981 murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, accused of killing his landlord Alan Bono. The case gained countrywide attention by the mind-boggling defense used by Johnson’s lawyers. Arne Cheyenne Johnson pleaded that demonic possession forced him to kill his landlord, and hence he was innocent. It was the first time “demonic possession” had ever been used as a defense for a murder trial.
As the case gained public attention, it also attracted the interest of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who dug deeper into the “possession’ angle of the case. Arne Cheyenne Johnson was only 19 when he stabbed his landlord to death, reportedly after being possessed by an evil spirit. As per his lawyers and family, Johnson was possessed after the failed exorcism of 11-year-old David Glatze, his girlfriend’s younger brother.
The case reportedly inspired the third movie in ‘The Conjuring’ film series, ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’. The documentary film ‘The Devil On Trial’ will also feature first-hand accounts from Johnson himself.
Directed by Christopher Holt, ‘The Devil On Trial’ explores the first and only time that ‘demonic possession’ has officially been used as a defense in a U.S. murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.
Documentary film ‘The Devil On Trial’ premieres on Netflix worldwide on 17th October, 2023. Have a look at the trailer of the film –