If you’ve been plugged into social media lately, you’ve likely stumbled upon the buzz surrounding the Netflix documentary series, Making a Murderer. I had been hesitant to dive in, still recovering from a binge-watching session of another series. However, when my daughter, a college sophomore enjoying her winter break, suggested we watch it together, I couldn’t refuse. When your college-age child invites you to spend time with them, you seize the opportunity. Thus began a captivating binge session that we found impossible to pause.
Living in Minnesota, the Midwestern quirks showcased in the series didn’t strike me as odd, perhaps because they felt so familiar. If you hail from areas like Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin, the characters in the Avery family are reminiscent of people you’ve met in your own life. It wasn’t until a friend mentioned the subtitles that I even realized they were necessary. The nostalgic charm of the upper Midwest from the ’90s—complete with mullets, oversized glasses, and Dolores Avery’s unique owl lamps—initially amused us, but soon our focus shifted solely to the unfolding drama.
For those unfamiliar with the storyline, it follows Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985. After spending 18 years in prison, advancements in DNA testing exonerated him by identifying another perpetrator. While Avery had his share of legal troubles, including some troubling past actions that are hard to forget, the flaws in his case were glaring.
Just two years post-release, Avery found himself back in the spotlight when he was arrested for the murder of 25-year-old Teresa Halbach. I won’t delve deeper into the plot to avoid spoiling it, but I encourage you to check it out on Netflix.
As a mother of nearly 22 years, my perspective on life has undeniably evolved. Everything I view is through the lens of motherhood, and this series was no exception. My heart went out to Dolores Avery, a soft-spoken, weary mother who described her relentless journeys to visit her son in prison. “Even when it was icy, I drove there,” she remarked, her accent reflecting her Midwestern roots. Anyone familiar with our winters knows that braving treacherous roads is a feat reserved for those with deep love and commitment.
Another poignant figure in the documentary is Barbara, the mother of Brendan Dassey, a teenager embroiled in the investigation surrounding Halbach’s murder. Brendan, one of the most heartbreaking figures I’ve encountered, shares many recorded conversations with his mother. Each exchange is strikingly simple yet laden with emotion, especially when Barb assures her son, who struggles with his own challenges, “You’re not stupid to me.” For any mother who has comforted a child filled with insecurity, those words hit hard.
All the mothers featured in this complex, deeply engaging narrative face unimaginable challenges—from Dolores’s visits to various prisons to Barb’s emotional breakdown amidst a swarm of reporters. And then there’s Teresa Halbach’s mother, who, while not prominently featured, represents the profound loss at the center of this tragedy.
The experiences of these mothers starkly illuminate the diverse realities of parenting. Factors such as available resources, educational opportunities, and social class influence the paths we tread as parents and the futures we shape for our children. The entire narrative unfolds like a fitted sheet tumbling from a linen closet—complicated and confusing yet utterly captivating.
If you haven’t yet seen Making a Murderer, I highly recommend it. It will evoke anger and sadness, but it will also provide a powerful shift in your perspective. After watching, the mountain of dirty dishes in my teenager’s room no longer felt like a personal affront. Yes, I hugged my kids tighter than ever.
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In summary, Making a Murderer is a powerful exploration of the complexities of family, societal structures, and the often harrowing realities of life. It reminds us of the unconditional love we have for our children, no matter the circumstances.
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