Told entirely through archival materials, filmmaker Jenny Popplewell assembles a gripping and truthful portrait of a disintegrating marriage and a police investigation that unearths devastating violence.

    

In 2018, 34-year-old Shanann Watts and her two young daughters went missing in Frederick, Colorado. As heartbreaking details emerged, their story made headlines worldwide.  Told entirely through archival footage that includes social media posts, law enforcement recordings, text messages and never-before-seen home videos, director Jenny Popplewell pieces together an immersive and truthful examination of a police investigation and a disintegrating marriage. AMERICAN MURDER: THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR is the first film to give a voice to the victims.

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nominated for Best Single Documentary, BAFTA 2021

​

Winner of Best Factual Programme, FOCAL awards 2021

​

Winner of Best Single Documentary, Bulldog Awards 2021

 

'Constructed with care and undeniable craft.'

New York Times Critics Pick

​

'Riveting, revelatory, empathetic, and unforgettable.'

Pajiba

​

'An impeccably produced look at a heinous crime'

Indiewire

'Offers a startling portrait of digital intimacy'

Thrillist 

 

'Expertly executed, sobering and, at times, astonishing account of deceit, jealousy and betrayal.'

NME

​

'Absoloutely chilling'

Glamour

 

'Perhaps the purest and most direct form for a documentary ever.'

Heaven of Horror

​

'"American Murder: The Family Next Door" Becomes Netflix’s Most Watched Doc Feature'

Deadline 

​

John Waters Top Ten Film Pick of 2020

​