Following the confusion that engulfed Moonlight’s win at the Oscars, it’s very easy to overlook the other success stories that emerged from the Academy Awards.
While documentary features have always been a cinematic stalwart, there’s no denying that outlets like Netflix and HBO have tapped into the public’s insatiable demand for real life stories that are both riveting and entertaining.
Regarding Netflix’s recent slate, three documentaries that they commissioned were all nominated for an Academy Award.
Netflix subscribers can now watch Ava DuVernay’s superb reflection on African-American history in 13th, the medical drama of Extremis or the Oscar-winning examination of the first responders in Syria, The White Helmets.
If you’ve more of an interest in prison life though, The Fear of 13 is just the thing for you.
The story revolves around Nick Yarris, a man who was convicted of murder and spent 23 years on Death Row in Pennsylvania.
While documentary fans will be familiar with a certain style and aesthetic, The Fear of 13 is unique because it’s more like a personal diary that incorporates elements of a one-man show.
In a non-linear structure, Yarris tells us all about his early life, first issues with the law and ultimately, his time on death row.
What grabs your attention though are the fascinating twists and turns that develop as the story unfolds.
Variety have praised David Sington’s film as a “classic stranger-than-fiction scenario, but it’s also a testament to the power of storytelling” while The Times felt that it’s “riveting and that’s mainly due to its extraordinary subject.”
Various other outlets have described The Fear of 13 as “gripping”, “a ripping yarn” and “blisteringly immediate, compelling and emotionally devastating.”
Since being added to the Netflix library, the film has deeply registered with viewers who were moved by the riveting story.
https://twitter.com/vivienneescort/status/835485198665986051
https://twitter.com/CianByNature/status/833632999623237632
https://twitter.com/mconnolly1/status/832212084448489472
Just watched the fear of 13 on Netflix, emotional, I could literally ask @NickYarris 100s of questions about what happened to him
— Ryan ⚫️⚪️ (@Ryzaan9) February 28, 2017
Would HIGHLY recommend The Fear of 13 on Netflix, it's so so interesting! It's a mystery/crime documentary film 📺🕵🏻
— Becky🖤 (@lifebyBeckyx) February 25, 2017
Here’s a look at the trailer.
Clip via – Dogwoof
