Latest news with #LizGarbus
Los Angeles Times
11-07-2025
- Los Angeles Times
‘One Night in Idaho: The College Murders' tells how families were affected by a brutal crime
It's the biggest question that's been asked over and over again about the night of Nov. 13, 2022, when four University of Idaho students — Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves — were brutally stabbed to death in their off-campus house in the college town of Moscow, Idaho: Why? With no apparent motive or clue as to who could have committed such a heinous crime, Moscow became the epicenter of an intense investigation and a social media storm that Prime Video's 'One Night in Idaho: The College Murders' delves into over four episodes dropping on Friday. Liz Garbus ('Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer') and Matthew Galkin ('Murder in the Bayou') share directing and executive producing duties on the docuseries, which is based on reporting by author James Patterson and investigative journalist Vicky Ward, and they knew early on what angle their production would take. 'We decided that a very interesting and unexplored angle was to see what it was like inside the eye of the hurricane,' Galkin says. 'So, for the people, the family members, the friends of the victims that had not ever spoken to the media, that was where we chose to focus our energies as far as access is concerned.' That included exclusive interviews with Stacy and Jim Chapin, parents of 20-year-old Ethan, and Karen and Scott Laramie, parents of 21-year-old Mogen, who have never talked about the murders — despite numerous projects on the subject — and how it ripped apart not only the town of Moscow but their respective families. Garbus and Galkin talked with The Times about how they gained the families' trust, how social media affected the case, and the recent twists and turns that happened just before the series was set to air. For one, on July 2, primary suspect Bryan Kohberger, a former criminal justice doctoral student who was arrested six weeks after the murders, entered a plea agreement with a full confession of the murders — done to avoid the death penalty — just weeks before his trial was set to begin. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. What were the origins of your involvement in the production and with crime novelist James Patterson? Matthew Galkin: This was a story that I started tracking, obviously, when it happened, which was mid-November of 2022, and I didn't make any outreach to any key people within the story, any of the families, until it was almost spring of 2023. We were tracking it to see how it developed once they made an arrest and once we could see the contours of the story and that things like social media played a major part in the energy created around this story. Liz Garbus: Concurrently, as Matthew was laying the foundation for this by reaching out and trying to see where the families were on this story, I got outreach from James Patterson's company about their interest in collaborating on a project around this case. That was quite fortuitous, and we laid some of those building blocks together and shared access and research. The film was made by its filmmakers, and the book ['The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy' by Patterson and Ward, which is being released on July 14] was reported by its writers, so they were operating on parallel tracks. We were able to support and help each other, but, truly, Matthew's original outreach to the Chapin family is what laid the building blocks for this show and is really the bedrock of it. How was the gag order for law enforcement and other key people close to the case a challenge in telling your story? Galkin: In this particular story, there was a probable cause affidavit that was filed in early January of '23, which really laid out, up to that point, what investigative details existed in order to bring law enforcement toward the suspect and ultimately make the arrest. So we were able, at the very least, to tell that story through the details we learned through the probable cause affidavit. It's always a challenge if you don't have all of the participating members of a story to try to tell the complete story. But in my past work, we tended to pick projects that are victim-centric more than law enforcement-centric. I've had experience telling stories through that perspective, so in a lot of ways, the limited access that we had actually lined up with the story we were trying to tell anyway. Garbus: Even on 'Gone Girls,' which was a show I made recently for Netflix, those murders were 10, 20, 30 years old. There were no gag orders, but there were certain people who didn't want to talk for their own reasons, so sometimes, as documentary filmmakers, you have to pick a lane. What are you bringing to the story? What point of view can you fully express? And we clearly had that lane here. And when you have that lane so clear early on, does that actually help get people to talk to you, especially those who hadn't spoken to anyone before? Galkin: I flew out to Washington state, and the first contact I made was to Jim and Stacy Chapin, who are the parents of Ethan, Hunter and Maizie. I convinced them to let me take them to lunch and just talk through what our vision of how to tell the story would be. I was probably the 50th in line to try to make a documentary project about it. They've been inundated at that point, and it was probably five or six months of journalists, documentary filmmakers [and] podcasters just coming out of the woodwork. I know for a fact they looked at Liz's track record, they looked at my track record, and I think they felt comfortable in the fact that if we were going to do crime stories, they were not usually from the killer's point of view or even from law enforcement point of view. It's usually from family or victim, so I think that gave them some comfort to know that they would have real input in how Ethan's story was told. They liked the idea of picking one project to really go deep on and be able to help put Ethan's narrative out to the world through their own voice, as opposed to other people who didn't know Ethan telling it. Did you know early on that social media would play such a big part in the case? Galkin: It was actually the two main topics of conversation. My first conversation with the Chapins was our vision of how we were going to tell the story and also their experience dealing with the insane noise and pressures of social media sleuths and people reaching out, going into their DMs, creating theories about their children, about them, about their children's friends — just the insanity. Obviously, there have been crime stories that deal with social media, but I have never experienced something of this magnitude with this much social media attention. Garbus: Social media has become much of the atmosphere in the telling and digestion of crimes in the American public's imagination of them. In some cases, it can be helpful, like the case of the Long Island serial killer, where the victims were not commanding national interest, and social media and advocates can play a huge role. Then there are other times in which the voracious appetites can overtake the story. In your series, you don't spend a lot of time dissecting all the gruesome details of the murders. Was that due to the law enforcement gag order? Galkin: Maybe a little, but it was also a choice of ours. There are many other projects, documentary series or news specials about this case that go into all of the really horrific details of what happened in that house. It was a conversation from the beginning of how do we present this so it's factual. We're not necessarily avoiding things, but we didn't feel like there was a reason to linger on those details because there were other aspects of the story that were of more interest to us. Garbus: When you're with these families and you experience the grief and trauma through them, that's kind of what you need to know. The ways in which the ripple effect of the trauma has affected this entire friend group and all of these young people, that speaks volumes to what happened that day and we wanted to experience it through them. Given the recent developments with Kohberger's plea deal, did you change the tag at the end of your show? Garbus: Thanks to some great postproduction supervisors and assistants, we will be updating the end card to have viewers be up to date with the plea. In the latter half of the series, there's talk about Kohberger and the notion of him being an incel, or involuntary celibate [where a person, usually male, is frustrated by a lack of sexual experiences]. How did that help understand a potential motive in the murders? Garbus: That was something that was very interesting to us right at the beginning: Why were these young women targeted? We may never know with this plea deal now and it may remain a mystery, but there were signs, for sure, about involvement in that culture for us to explore that angle. As families watch this and they're sitting with their sons and wondering what they might be doing online, this is the kind of conversation that people need to be having about the media, the infiltration of messages that young men receive today and it's only getting more extreme in this moment. Was four episodes always the amount to tell this story? Obviously, the case is still unfolding with Kohberger's plea agreement. Could a sequel happen? Galkin: Four episodes felt like the right amount of space to tell the story that we told. Obviously, there are still chapters unfolding, and if there is an appetite to continue to tell this story with our subjects and all of our partners, then certainly I think we'd be open to doing that. But we feel like we told a complete story here ... every episode offers a pivot as to the perspectives that we're seeing this case through, and every episode has a different lens. Garbus: Clearly, our filmmaking stops at a certain point. You've had this plea deal, and the gag order will be lifted, so it is a capsule of time of what the families knew and understood since this tragedy happened up until a couple of months ago. We will see over the next weeks and months how much more we will learn, but it is a fragment of experience very much rooted in time. Since there is so much interest in this case with many podcasts, documentaries and news stories out there, do you worry about that at all? Garbus: In some ways you don't think about it, but at the same time, when you're setting off to make a project like this, you want to make sure you are saying something unique. We're going to spend X number of years of our lives on this, and you want to make sure you're adding something new to the discourse on the case. And, of course, it matters to us that this is the place where the Chapins and the Laramies will tell their story and that we are able to take care of it for them and the friends in the way that we intended. It matters just in that you want to make sure you have a lane that's needed in the discourse and I think in this case we felt very clearly that we did. Galkin: We knew from Day 1, given the access that we had, that our series would be unique to anything else on the market, because these are people that have never told their story before, and the way we were planning on doing it, which was truly from the inside, without any sort of outsider voices. So that was not an anxiety for us.
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harrowing Netflix documentaries about real-life American tragedies you can watch now
Among the streamer's many powerful documentaries are three viewers say everyone should see Netflix's documentaries are always a hit with viewers, but picking the cream of the crop can be a tough task. A handful of fresh releases have already made their way into the streaming giant's library, including one show that's being touted as the 'best docu-series of 2025. ' We've put together a brief list of must-see documentaries, focusing on events that unfolded in America and subsequently shook the world. From catastrophic weather events to the passing of an LGBTQ+ legend, these shows are available for streaming now on Netflix. The Twister: Caught in the Storm Launched back in March, The Twister: Caught in the Storm delves into the horrific tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri, in 2011. The storm descended upon Joplin on May 22 and claimed the lives of 158 people, making it one of the deadliest in American history, reports the Mirror US. Helmed by Alexandra Lacey, the documentary revisits this natural disaster, featuring first-hand accounts from weather forecasters and a group of survivors who found themselves at the heart of the storm. Even though the tragedy took place 14 years ago, this Netflix series provides viewers with a deeply immersive experience of the event. A Rotten Tomatoes reviewer described it as "immersive, thrilling and frightening," continuing: "This documentary very well shows the vulnerability of all us humans when confronted with the mighty force of nature." The Twister: Caught in the Storm is available for streaming now on Netflix Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer This three-part series has been praised by viewers as the 'best docu-series of 2025' just two months after its release on Netflix. It explores the hunt for an alleged serial killer, following a string of murders that took place over several years without being detected by law enforcement. In 2010 police began to suspect a killer was on the loose after 23-year-old escort Shannan Gilbert made a panicked 911 call claiming someone was pursuing her, only to vanish shortly after. An extensive search of the area led to the discovery of four victims, known as the Gilgo Beach Four, and sparked a thorough investigation. Shannan's remains were eventually found in December 2011. Directed by Liz Garbus, the documentary delves into the events leading up to the 2023 arrest of an architect, who is set to stand trial later this year charged with the murders of seven women. He maintains he is not guilty. Viewers have taken to Rotten Tomatoes, where the series boasts a rare 100% score, with one reviewer writing: "Netflix Delivers the Best Docu-Series of 2025. 'Gone Girls' does something unexpected with its empathetic approach to true crime as director Liz Garbus gives a voice to the voiceless [...]." Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer is now available to stream on Netflix The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson Marsha P. Johnson, a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, met a tragic end in July 1992. The transgender icon was part of the pioneering Gay Liberation Front, which started in New York during the tumultuous late '60s. Initially thought to have taken her own life, a new documentary delves into the persistent suspicions that she was actually murdered. The film's blurb states: "Filmmakers re-examine the 1992 death of transgender legend Marsha P. Johnson, who was found floating in the Hudson River. Originally ruled a suicide, many in the community believe she was murdered." Highlighting the significance of the documentary, an IMDb reviewer wrote: "I was originally going to say that this should be required viewing for young LGBTQ people, in order for them to have a better understanding of our history. "But correct that to say that EVERYONE should watch this in order to better understand a segment of our society that has been brutally mistreated since forever."
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This True Crime Docuseries Is The Top Show On Netflix Right Now
'Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer' is currently the most popular show on Netflix, according to the platform's public ranking system. Directed and produced by documentarian Liz Garbus, the true crime docuseries dives into the Gilgo Beach serial killings and the long search for the perpetrator. The series premiered on March 31 and consists of three episodes ranging from 49 to 56 minutes long. 'Gone Girls' features interviews with law enforcement, journalists, victims' loved ones and people who knew the accused killer. Read on for more trending shows of the moment across streaming services including Apple TV+, Hulu, BritBox and Amazon Prime Video. And if you want to stay informed about all things streaming, subscribe to the Streamline newsletter. 'Dying for Sex' premiered on FX on Hulu on April 4. The comedy drama series is an adaptation of a podcast from Wondery and Nikki Boyer. Starring Michelle Williams, 'Dying for Sex' follows a woman diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer as she endeavors to explore the full extent of her sexual desires before her death. The new action horror series 'The Bondsman' premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 3. Starring Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Nettles, the show revolves around a bounty hunter who is murdered but comes back to life via resurrection by the devil. But his second chance comes with some unexpected discoveries. 'Side Quest' is trending on Apple TV+ at the moment. The comedy anthology series is a spinoff of the show 'Mythic Quest' and premiered on March 26, the same day as the original's season finale. Each of the four episodes of 'Side Quest' centers around employees, players and fans of the video game Mythic Quest. The BBC One detective dramedy 'Ludwig' is now streaming on BritBox after airing in the U.K. late last year. British comedy legend David Mitchell stars as a reclusive puzzle maker who is enlisted by his identical twin brother's wife to solve the mystery of his disappearance. Already renewed for a second season, the first season of 'Ludwig' features six episodes. The Complicated, Awkward Truth Behind A 'White Lotus' Punchline 'A Nice Indian Boy' Is The Rom-Com We've Been Waiting For The 'Friends' Spinoff You Forgot About Is Now Streaming — And It's Kind Of Good
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This True Crime Docuseries Is The Top Show On Netflix Right Now
'Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer' is currently the most popular show on Netflix, according to the platform's public ranking system. Directed and produced by documentarian Liz Garbus, the true crime docuseries dives into the Gilgo Beach serial killings and the long search for the perpetrator. The series premiered on March 31 and consists of three episodes ranging from 49 to 56 minutes long. 'Gone Girls' features interviews with law enforcement, journalists, victims' loved ones and people who knew the accused killer. Read on for more trending shows of the moment across streaming services including Apple TV+, Hulu, BritBox and Amazon Prime Video. And if you want to stay informed about all things streaming, subscribe to the Streamline newsletter. 'Dying for Sex' premiered on FX on Hulu on April 4. The comedy drama series is an adaptation of a podcast from Wondery and Nikki Boyer. Starring Michelle Williams, 'Dying for Sex' follows a woman diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer as she endeavors to explore the full extent of her sexual desires before her death. The new action horror series 'The Bondsman' premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 3. Starring Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Nettles, the show revolves around a bounty hunter who is murdered but comes back to life via resurrection by the devil. But his second chance comes with some unexpected discoveries. 'Side Quest' is trending on Apple TV+ at the moment. The comedy anthology series is a spinoff of the show 'Mythic Quest' and premiered on March 26, the same day as the original's season finale. Each of the four episodes of 'Side Quest' centers around employees, players and fans of the video game Mythic Quest. The BBC One detective dramedy 'Ludwig' is now streaming on BritBox after airing in the U.K. late last year. British comedy legend David Mitchell stars as a reclusive puzzle maker who is enlisted by his identical twin brother's wife to solve the mystery of his disappearance. Already renewed for a second season, the first season of 'Ludwig' features six episodes. The Complicated, Awkward Truth Behind A 'White Lotus' Punchline 'A Nice Indian Boy' Is The Rom-Com We've Been Waiting For The 'Friends' Spinoff You Forgot About Is Now Streaming — And It's Kind Of Good
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
The Surprising Way Police Finally Caught the Long Island Serial Killer
Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer goes over the details of a case that has haunted New York for over a decade. The docuseries, directed and produced by Liz Garbus, follows the Gilgo Beach serial killings and examines the perspective of the victims and loved ones as it unravels the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. But the Netflix docuseries doesn't just do that, it also delivers a very detailed account of how law enforcement finally managed to zero in on Rex Heuermann, a local architect, and eventually charged him with the murders of seven women. More from StyleCaster The Life List Movie Changed a Key Detail From the Book-Here's if Alex Ends Up With the Same Character Where the Long Island Serial Killer Is Now & If He's Still in Jail For Allegedly Murdering 7 Women Related: All the evidence pointing to the real Zodiac killer An exhaustive investigation finally led to the arrest of Rex Heuermann, who has been charged not just with the murder of the so-called 'Gilgo Four,' the first four victims whose remains were discovered along a stretch of Ocean Parkway in Suffolk County in 2010, but three other women as well. The investigation that led to Heuermann's arrest was led by the Suffolk County Police Department and District Attorney's Office alongside the FBI and New York State Police. One of the key factors that led to his arrest was Heuermann's Chevrolet Avalanche. The car led authorities to his residence in Massapequa Park and his office in Midtown Manhattan, both of which were identified as zones of interest in the investigation. Heuermann was also caught by police adding minutes to a burner phone, which matched the movements of burner phones used during the crimes. Crucially, though, his DNA matched hair found on the victims. How did the police figure that out? Well, the DNA was lifted from a discarded pizza crust, so yes, this is how he finally got caught. All of it put together was enough for an arrest. Heuermann's arrest is anything but the end of the story, though. With multiple victims attributed to the suspect, authorities are now looking back at multiple other cases, looking for possible connections. Gone Girls director Liz Garbus was very aware of the reality of dealing with an ever-changing case even as she was trying to deliver a finished cut of the documentary. 'After we completed and turned in our cuts to Netflix, there was another victim added to [Heuermann's] docket. Will there be more between now and the time that we air? It's possible. Will there be more between now and the time that we go to trial, if they go to trial? It's probable,' she told Tudum about the documentary. Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer also examines allegations of corruption that may have hindered real progress on the case for years. 'I think Suffolk County under police chief Jimmy Burke and DA Tom Spota was run like a crime syndicate…. This is a cautionary tale about how to stop that kind of thing before these kinds of people get in positions of power,' Garbus also said. 'I think audiences should believe in the power of their voices when they see injustice,' Garbus added. 'These family members were never going to give up. They knew there was a need to shake the establishment to get attention for this case.' Best of StyleCaster The 26 Best Romantic Comedies to Watch if You Want to Know What Love Feels Like These 'Bachelor' Secrets & Rules Prove What Happens Behind the Scenes Is So Much Juicier BTS's 7 Members Were Discovered in the Most Unconventional Ways
