Mommy Dead and Dearest 2017

THE GOOD: 'MOMMY DEAD AND DEAREST'

WRITING: 60
ACTING: 50
LOOK: 50
SOUND: 50
FEEL: 90
NOVELTY: 50
ENJOYMENT: 90
RE-WATCHABILITY: 85
INTRIGUE: 90
EXPECTATIONS: 85

The Good:

This documentary enlightens the terrible mental condition that is Munchausen syndrome by proxy and what it leads to in its most extreme forms. It's upsetting, terrible and heartbreaking to watch.

There are no heroes in this tale. The documentary is not trying to idolize Gypsy or her crime, quite the opposite. We come to understand why she did what she did, and we might feel sorry for her, but she still has to pay the price for her deed.

The story is very straightforward but told effectively, giving the audience all the substantial information to understand what happened and make their minds up about who is the true victim.

Understanding the people involved is key to enjoy true come documentaries like this one. The film does a good job describing Gypsy and the people around her, their pasts, their life choices and the forces that led them to make said decisions.

The Bad:

The documentary could have opened up more about the diagnosis itself for those uninitiated. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is an uncommon, fascinating and terrible mental disorder.

There's ultimately a very American mentality over this documentary, particularly in its final moments. Somewhere, it's trying to find a silver lining in this dark tale, despite all the horrible elemental it is made up of.

The Ugly:

Gypsy went from bad to worse, but there's a little light at the end of the tunnel.

VERDICT:

A stripped-down, honest and horrifying account of one of the worst known cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and the spectacular murder resulting from it.

70% = :white_check_mark: = GOOD