Perhaps Netflix’s next great true-crime smash has just been released.
The service has released a long documentary about a man who went viral in 2013 and the tragic events that unfolded because of his fame.
It’s called The Hatchet, by the way. Kai Lawrence, a homeless man who “smashed” a man over the head with a hatchet to stop him from killing a woman, is the film’s protagonist.
After a video of Lawrence talking about the event went viral online, he was immediately seen as a hero and became a celebrity.
He was in high demand, with many talk show presenters eager to conduct interviews, and bands like Justin Bieber eager to work with him.
But Lawrence’s tale didn’t conclude there. Three months later, he stood trial for the murder of New Jersey attorney Joseph Galfy, claiming he acted in self-defence.
In the opening narration of the trailer, we learn, “Have you heard about Kai, the hitchhiking hatchet hero? This once-admirable man is now a murder suspect.
Interviewee: “If you’re going to laud someone, you better know who you glorify.”
The streaming service is banking on the Colette Camden-helmed documentary gaining traction through word of mouth, like it did with American Murder and The Tinder Swindler.
It’s good news for viewers that the documentary is a concise 90-minute film rather than a drawn-out series.
“This disturbing documentary looks at how a happy-go-lucky wanderer went from being a viral sensation to going to prison.”
The official summary of the movie says
[…] are just a few examples of scary films based on true events that will keep you up at […]
[…] recent years, Netflix has released a variety of true crime documentaries, each offering unique perspectives and insights into some of the world’s most notorious […]