What to stream: Fall into Netflix true crime docs this month

'The Crash'

Directed by Gareth Johnson, this film follows the case of Mackenzie Shirilla, who crashed her car early one morning, killing her boyfriend and friend. She survived, and suspicion about the accident leads to a shocking investigation. This film is a fascinating look at how social media and our digital footprints play a part in criminal proceedings, and how we present ourselves plays out in the court of public opinion and with law enforcement. It’s thought-provoking and somewhat infuriating.

'The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare'

This is yet another series about the horrifying murder of four college students at the University of Idaho. While this murder has been milked for content, this three-part series, produced by doc vet Joe Berlinger and directed by Skye Borgman, places a strong focus on the victim’s lives, while exploring every aspect of the case, including police bodycam footage from the morning of the murder. It’s sad, fascinating and illuminating.

'The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson'

Another film with a strong emphasis on celebrating the victim’s life is “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson,” about the young cycling star athlete killed by a jealous girlfriend. This is a tawdry true crime case, but the film becomes a truly inspirational story about Moriah’s impact. The film is directed by Marina Zenovich, who also helmed the blockbuster docuseries about Lance Armstrong, “Lance.”

'Death of the Pastor’s Wife'

“Death of the Pastor’s Wife” has been No. 1 on Netflix for a week, and follows the case of Mica Miller, a young pastor’s wife who died during a brutal divorce. The film is co-directed by Julia Willoughby Nason, who has also directed other films about Christian cults and multilevel marketing schemes, including LuLaRoe. This three part series is incredibly tragic, and demonstrates how dangerous coercive control in relationships can be.

'The Murder of Rachel Nickell'

This film, the directorial debut of Lucy Bowden, takes on the case of a murder of a young mother in London in 1992. It is incredibly thoughtful for a true crime documentary, steering away from sensation and scandal, and placing an emphasis on the surviving family members, including Rachel‘s partner André and her son Alex, who was the only witness at the age of 2. The film highlights limitations in police work that led to problems with the case, and is a very sad, though respectful, film that pays tribute to the victims and survivors of this crime.

'The Predator of Seville'

This harrowing story focuses on a serial rapist who preyed on young American women studying abroad and traveling in Spain. The main character is Gabrielle Vega, who embarks on a dogged campaign to bring her attacker to justice. The three-part series highlights how difficult it is for victims of sexual assault to navigate the justice system.

'A Toxic Love Story'

The twists and turns of “A Toxic Love Story” are almost too much to believe, and are even somewhat murky after the film has concluded. What starts out as a stalking story turns into something much more twisted and surprising as it progresses. To describe what happens would be to give it all away, so you’ll just have to watch and find out. It reminds us that often people are not what they seem or what they present to be.

'Maternal Instinct'

This documentary tells an incredibly disturbing tale of one woman’s desire to present her life as something that it wasn’t in reality. While the details of this case are upsetting and disturbing, the documentary could have tried to explore the perpetrator’s mental health and background more. But it does remind us that not everything is what it appears to be.