Unless you’ve been disconnected from social media recently, you’re likely familiar with the Netflix series Making a Murderer. I delayed watching it for a while, still enjoying the aftermath of a binge-watch of another show. However, when my daughter, a college sophomore home for winter break, invited me to watch it with her, I couldn’t resist. When your college-aged child requests your company for anything, it’s wise to say yes, so we embarked on what turned into an engrossing marathon session.
Living in Minnesota, we were somewhat unbothered by the regional quirks presented in the series, which might resonate more deeply with viewers from Wisconsin, Michigan, or similar areas. The portrayal of the Avery family struck a familiar chord; they reminded us of people we’ve encountered in our own lives. It wasn’t until a friend pointed out that the show employed subtitles that I even realized their necessity. The nostalgia of the Midwest in the ’90s was initially entertaining, with everything from hairstyles to home decor, but soon, the narrative took center stage.
The series revolves around Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985, who spent 18 years in prison before DNA evidence exonerated him. Avery had a troubled past and was not without his own issues, particularly a distressing incident involving a family pet. Nonetheless, the inconsistencies in his case were glaring.
After his release, Avery was arrested again for the murder of Teresa Halbach, a local photographer. To avoid spoilers, I won’t delve deeper into the plot here, but it is essential viewing for anyone intrigued by true crime narratives.
As a mother for nearly 22 years, my perspective on such stories is inevitably shaped by my experiences. Watching Making a Murderer through the lens of motherhood was a poignant experience. Dolores Avery, Steven’s mother, left a lasting impression on me as she recounted her efforts to visit her son in prison, enduring hazardous winter roads. In our region, navigating icy conditions is no small feat, yet a mother’s love often compels us to brave the elements for our children.
Another mother who deeply resonated with me was Sarah, the mother of Brendan Dassey, a teenager implicated in Halbach’s murder. Brendan’s recorded conversations with his mother were heart-wrenching, revealing their relationship’s profound depth. One quote that struck me was when Sarah reassured her son, who struggled with understanding his circumstances, saying, “You’re not foolish to me.” For any mother who has comforted a child grappling with insecurity, those words are undeniably impactful.
The experiences of the mothers portrayed in this series illuminate the stark contrasts in our parenting journeys. The resources available to us, the educational opportunities we encounter, as well as social and economic factors, all shape how we nurture our children. The unfolding narrative resembles a chaotic tangle of a fitted sheet falling from a linen closet—confounding yet captivating.
After watching, the seemingly trivial issue of my teenager’s messy room felt less significant. It reminded me of the importance of connection and compassion, prompting me to hug my kids tightly.
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In summary, Making a Murderer serves as a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of motherhood, resilience, and the complexities of the justice system. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and the challenges faced by families in distressing situations.
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