If you remember the case of Rachel Nickell, then this documentary is a great watch for you. Before we dive into the technicalities of how well the documentary is made or not, let's take a look at what exactly happened. In the year 1992, Rachel Nickell, a young mother, was attacked and killed on Wimbledon Common in London while walking her two-year-old son, Alex. That left her son, little Alex, as the sole witness of the crime that shook the nation. This was followed by years of investigation marked by intense media scrutiny, public pressure, and some controversial police decisions that were openly questioned.
There are many good things about the way The Murder of Rachel Nickell has been developed. For example, the makers have beautifully struck a balance between the facts of the case and an environment of sensitivity while portraying them. In no way do the makers try to sensationalize the death of a young mother.
What helps us viewers understand The Murder of Rachel Nickell is the usage of archived footage, family testimony, and clippings. This gives us a better view of what the feelings of the loved ones of Rachel Nickell were and how traumatizing it was for them to experience something of this sort. But what will linger the most even after the credits begin to roll is the impact of all this on her partner, André and son Alex. Time and time again, the documentary serves as a reminder of how people who lose their loved ones seek justice for the person they lost.
Apart from this, there are some really hard-hitting questions that the makers ask regarding the controversial police investigation. Under the mounting pressure to find a suspect, investigators put all their efforts into declaring Colin Stagg the murderer. Ultimately, we all know that he was declared innocent. A critical examination has been conducted of how the police and other authorities were led down the wrong path, resulting in delays in justice. These sections of The Murder of Rachel Nickell are the most compelling ones, as they show us how an incorrect step on the part of those from whom justice is to be served can result in a lapse of judgment. But the makers don’t just stop here. They explore how the man behind all this, Robert Napper, the actual murderer, remained unidentified for years despite missed opportunities that should and could have led the investigators to the right path in this case.
So, in many ways, a critical examination of the entire case has been done. The makers have ensured that they do more than just present the case to the audience. That is one of the best parts of The Murder of Rachel Nickell. Other than that, the pacing supports the overall storytelling. The makers have maintained an even speed. Neither do they rush nor do they slow down while depicting the events. That helps us to understand, right from the start to the end, what happened. So, viewers, if you are interested in watching a crime documentary, The Murder of Rachel Nickell is one of the best you will get to see.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times