The Staircase
On December 9, 2001, crime novelist Michael Peterson calls emergency services after finding his wife severely injured at the bottom of the stairs. The police arrive and immediately launch an investigation. Shortly after the police arrive, Michael Peterson is arrested for the murder of his wife, Kathleen.
Documentary filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade is involved in the legal case against Michael Peterson from the beginning. As a viewer, this makes you feel like part of the jury. You see all the evidence, photos, and videos and hear the witness testimonies. It's up to you to judge whether this is a tragic accident or if Michael Peterson is indeed the cold-blooded murderer, as prosecutor Freda Black wants you to believe. The significant difference between watching this documentary and actually sitting in the jury box is that you now get to see Michael and his lawyers discussing the defense strategy together. This gives you an even greater sense of being fully engaged in the entire process.
Michael Peterson's call to emergency services is brief and to the point. His wife appears to have fallen down the stairs, and he urgently asks the police to come. She is barely breathing. Earlier in the evening, Michael and his wife had sat in the garden with a drink. His wife decided to go to bed early because she had an early morning appointment. Michael said he would finish his drink and join her shortly. When he enters the house some time later, he discovers his wife Kathleen's body at the bottom of the stairs. At least, that's how Michael describes it. The stairs and walls are covered in massive blood splatters. When you see the images, they more resemble a horror movie, and it's almost inconceivable that Kathleen fell down the stairs.
Yet, throughout the episodes, you are constantly tossed back and forth between complete conviction that Michael Peterson gruesomely murdered his wife and then amazement at what mysterious event could have taken place because Michael surely cannot be guilty. Ten minutes later, you start doubting this conclusion again and begin suspecting Michael as the murderer once more.
After a lengthy trial, the verdict is pronounced on October 10, 2003. We at Inspective have had extensive discussions about Michael Peterson's guilt or innocence. We are very curious to hear your opinion. Do you think Michael is guilty? This documentary kept us all glued to the screen until the last moment, and if you're one of our experienced detectives, we're sure you'll find it hard to stop watching too.
The documentary consists of 13 episodes. The first eight episodes cover the period from 2001 to 2003, with an additional five episodes filmed later. If you're craving more after solving a murder, we recommend watching The Staircase on Netflix.