‘The Unthinkable Daughter’ (2026) Netflix Review - When the Past Refuses to Stay Buried

The Unthinkable Daughter revisits one of Brazil’s most disturbing cases. The plot revolves around Suzane von Richthofen, who was convicted for being part of the 2002 murders of her parents, Manfred and Marisia von Richthofen. What makes the documentary particularly interesting is its access to the unseen interviews with Suzane, which offer her an opportunity to speak about the crime, her past, and the life she has built since serving part of her sentence.

Instead of simply reconstructing the murder, the makers have attempted to examine Suzane and her case and how she perceives her actions today. Her account can be slightly uneasy to watch, particularly because she revisits accountability, remorse and somewhere also justifies her action instead of taking responsibility of it. I am not sure why this was made because it wasn’t really needed.

The documentary goes back to the events of 2002, when Manfred and Marisia were murdered in São Paulo. The investigation revealed that their daughter and murderer, Suzane, had been involved in planning the killings alongside her boyfriend Daniel Cravinhos and his brother Cristian. The case became a national sensation for a very obvious question and caused a lot of uproar in the public as well. With the help of archived footage, interviews, and investigative material, the plot retraces the circumstances that surrounded the murders. It also brings in people connected to the case, such as legal professionals, journalists, and experts. This helps to provide perspectives that go beyond Suzane’s stories. Doing so also ensures that this documentary doesn’t become a monolog of one person who comes across as someone explaining why she did what she did.

For me, the biggest attraction was the unseen interviews of Suzane. After more than a decade without a major interview, Suzane’s return to the subject gives the documentary a new dimension.  She discusses her relationship with her parents, the events that led up to the murders, and the consequences that followed. Her reflections also invite viewers to consider how someone who attempts to reconstruct their identity after committing a crime is seen in the public.

Now, how one wishes to perceive her is totally up to how we look at her. For me, honestly, this wasn’t needed. However, this perception changes from person to person. Some might feel a change when they see her, while for others, it might not be the best thing. The pacing is fast, which is a good thing. The scenes move at a normal pace, and nowhere will you feel bored or bombarded with information for no reason. I personally like that in murder documentaries. One needs that kind of pacing when dealing with such plots.

The overall coverage of the case is also pretty good. The makers revisit the happenings and also give us updates on what happened later on. That helps many of us who were aware of the case to build an understanding of what exactly took place. In conclusion, the plot of The Unthinkable Daughter has been recreated and researched. However, it can be disturbing for us to watch. So if you are not someone who can watch a plot like this, it is best to reconsider.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times