‘American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing’ Netflix Series Review - A Powerful Retelling of a City’s Resilience

"American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing" is a powerful and heart-wrenching three-part documentary series that takes us through the aftermath of one of the most significant tragedies in recent American history.

The bombings, which took place on April 15, 2013, at the Boston Marathon, left four people dead and countless others injured. The documentary paints a vivid picture of the events, using archive footage, harrowing reenactments, and exclusive interviews that shed new light on the tragedy and the two brothers responsible for it.

Through the eyes of law enforcement officials, survivors, and witnesses, the series explores the intense manhunt for the Tsarnaev brothers, who were responsible for the bombings, and how they were brought to justice in just 101 hours.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the series is its portrayal of the resilience of the Boston community. Despite the fear and sadness that hung over the city, people came together to support each other, to run and cheer with even greater enthusiasm.

The release date of the documentary is significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the 2013 marathon bombings. The documentary is a concise and valuable recapturing of the events that gripped Boston for five days, highlighting some lingering issues, such as the Waltham triple murder, which remains unsolved.

A particularly thought-provoking aspect of the documentary is its exploration of the media's role in the Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent manhunt for the perpetrators. It delves into the decision to release the suspects' photos to the public and how it set off a chain of violent events. The media's coverage of the events is also analyzed, particularly in how it affected the community and the risks civilians were exposed to during the search.

Through this exploration, the documentary sheds light on the power and responsibility of the media during times of crisis and leaves you pondering the impact of sensationalist news coverage on both the victims and the broader public.

However, the documentary doesn't shy away from the graphic nature of the events depicted. The reenactments are chilling, and at times, difficult to watch. But this only serves to make the documentary more impactful and to bring home the reality of the tragedy.

Still, it can be said that this series lacks a little objectivity. It focuses primarily on the events of the manhunt and the pursuit of the Tsarnaev brothers but does not delve as deeply into their motivations or provide a wider context for their actions.

As such, it can be criticized for offering a somewhat one-sided perspective on the events and the people involved. This is true, especially with how villainous the media is portrayed as. However, the documentary's primary aim is to chronicle the events of the manhunt and provide a comprehensive retelling of the events, and in that regard, it is undoubtedly successful.

Ultimately, the Boston Marathon bombing was a devastating event that impacted countless lives. Through this documentary, you are given a powerful and emotional glimpse into the tragedy and the strength of the Boston community. While some may question the balance of perspectives, the documentary's ability to bring the human impact of the events to the forefront is undeniable.

It serves as a tribute to the lives lost, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder of the importance of coming together in times of hardship. This documentary is a must-see for anyone who wants to bear witness to the incredible strength and compassion of the human spirit.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times