Netflix’s grip on true crime storytelling has only gotten better over the years. With The Son of Sam Tapes, the streamer returns to its signature format, mixing chilling archival footage, unnerving voice recordings, and a tone that never lets you breathe easy.
But did they nail it this time?
The docuseries revisits the infamous Son of Sam murders that haunted New York City in the late ’70s. But rather than simply rehashing David Berkowitz’s crimes, it shifts focus to journalist Maury Terry, who believed the murders weren’t the act of a lone man but part of a larger satanic cult.
This pivot gives the series a layer of obsession and paranoia that separates it from other true crime re-tellings. Terry’s dogged investigation, his descent, really, is as gripping as the murders themselves. The line between facts, theories, and delusions begins to blur. And that’s where the show thrives.
But some critics argue that Netflix walks a fine line here. While the show tries to stay neutral, it gives a lot of room to Terry’s conspiracy without always challenging it. The result is a documentary that’s fascinating, but also frustrating for those looking for a grounded narrative.
Still, when it comes to keeping viewers hooked, The Son of Sam Tapes does its job. It may not be perfect, but it’s another example of how Netflix knows how to turn decades-old horrors into bingeable TV.
Yes, they’ve done it again. Just not without raising eyebrows.
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