Documentary Picks for October
The documentary landscape has exploded on streaming platforms, leaving us overwhelmed yet endlessly fascinated. This October, I've curated three selections that delve deep into human nature, morality, and the haunting narratives that shape our society. Each of these films offers a unique lens through which we can explore dark truths, leaving us to reckon with the unsettling realities they present.
1. 'Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills' (1996)
Stream it on HBO Max or rent it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
As one of the most chilling true-crime documentaries, this film examines the harrowing case of the West Memphis Three, wrongfully convicted of a crime that gripped the nation. The haunting imagery coupled with raw emotions draw viewers into the lives of not just the accused, but the victims' families, encapsulating the complexity of grief and guilt. I can't help but reflect on how the inequities of the justice system rear their ugly heads in the stories we tell.
“The film is not just about the heinous crime, but the societal waves it created.” - Isabella Chen
The documentary does more than recount a tragedy; it invites contemplation about justice and morality, compounding the chilling sense of unresolved horror that lingers as the credits roll.
2. 'Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.' (1999)
Stream it on AMC+.
Errol Morris's deep dive into the life of Fred A. Leuchter Jr., who manufactured execution equipment, is both disturbing and absurdly fascinating. As Leuchter grapples with the ethical implications of his work, we are forced to question how desensitized society has become to state-sanctioned death. His entanglements with Holocaust denial highlight the dangerous consequences of misguided beliefs and the fallibility of human reason.
“Morris doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths of our nature.” - Isabella Chen
What makes this documentary exceptionally noteworthy is its uncanny ability to present a rational mind—Leuchter's own—that slips into the clutches of delusion. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of truth in an era inundated with misinformation.
3. 'The Devil and Father Amorth' (2018)
Stream it on Tubi or rent it on Fandango at Home.
While this film may get overshadowed during most of the year, its release around Halloween makes it a perfect pick for thrill-seekers looking for some light horror entertainment. Directed by the late William Friedkin, the film grants a front-row seat to an exorcism performed by Father Gabriele Amorth, a priest who considered himself an expert in demonic possession.
“There's a playful absurdity to Friedkin's approach that demands a wink of disbelief.” - Isabella Chen
Friedkin's signature storytelling brings a playful yet unsettling quality to the exploration of the occult; however, the film raises questions about the intersection of faith and skepticism. Is whether we are merely witnessing a chaotic performance or a genuine rite with tangible effects a matter of perspective?
Wrapping Up
This month's selections provide a captivating mix of unsettling scenarios and profound explorations into the human psyche. Whether you find yourself drawn to the chilling reality of wrongful convictions, the eerie path of misguided expertise, or the curiosity surrounding the supernatural, each documentary offers a thought-provoking journey that compels us to reflect on our own beliefs and biases. It's a potent reminder of the diverse narratives that entertain, educate, and challenge our viewpoints in ways we never expected.
Happy streaming, and I hope these selections make your Halloween just a little spookier!
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/30/movies/documentaries-streaming.html
