Netflix’s The Staircase follows the court cases of Michael Peterson, the once renowned novelist accused of killing his wife in 2001. The documentary is unique: despite appearing as a seamless series of films, the piece was actually filmed between 2004 and 2018, tracing the evolving result of the case. Of the same ilk as cult favourite Making a Murderer, The Staircase follows the defence lawyers embroiled in a trial by media. A fast paced and emotional series, Peterson’s verdict is only a part of its focus.

Unlike some criminal documentaries, The Staircase manages to retain focus on Kathleen, Peterson’s late wife. It also heavily involves their immediate family, to the point where the essence of the films become more familial than criminal, with the children’s lives as on the line as Michael’s. Nonetheless, the facts of the crime case are enthrallingly bizarre. More than enough to rival a great Agatha Christie, the defensive and accusative points are as convincing as they are confusing.

Meanwhile David Rudolf, Peterson’s defence attorney, takes centre stage as a true underdog. Seemingly unsure about the innocence of his client, demonstrated in the infamous ‘blow poke recovery’ scene, his journey to disprove Peterson’s guilt is entwined with his efforts to prove his innocence for his own curiosity. Rudolf’s battle to deal only with fact amid stories of lust, anger and media furore is the real storyline.

While fantastic viewing, the documentary requires some personal investigation to fully understand the case. Certain aspects are hidden, like Peterson’s romantic relationship with The Staircase’s editor and what seem to be crucially important theories and evidence omitted from discussion. Its bias produces an unconvincing account of the truth of the murder trial, but provides a strangely entrancing look at a man through the eyes of those who care less about guilt or innocence and more about love.

The Staircase is an utterly compelling film series, its storytelling and pace could stand up against any in its genre. The beauty of the series is its unwillingness to delve too deeply. Not an aggressor but an observer, the documentarians simply follow the trial, with no obvious agenda to incite anything but emotion.

Stars: Michael Peterson, David Rudolf, Ron Guerette
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