Prepare to be gripped.
In terms of their strictly aesthetic purposes, there’s no denying the fact that Netflix’s penchant for developing true crime documentaries has found a massive audience. Moving away from the medium of entertainment, it’s arguable that these features have also had a large role in highlighting some of the massive injustices that have occurred around the world.
Just look at the groundswell of support for Steven Avery/Brendan Dassey (Making A Murderer), or the insatiable demand to finally solve the murder of Cathy Cesnik (The Keepers) after their stories were given a larger audience.
This focus on the need to tell real-life stories has proven to be a popular one and in their new series, On My Skin, the online streaming giant will focus on one of the most controversial court cases in recent years.
October 15, 2009.
Stefano Cucchi, a 31-year-old quantity surveyor with a modest drug problem, is arrested by the Italian police (Carabinieri) after being caught in possession of a few grams of marijuana. One week later, Mr Cucchi mysteriously died in Sandro Pertini hospital, while still in police custody.
What unfolded was one of the most controversial rulings in Italy’s history as the court decided to clear 11 people, including three prison officers, of any involvement in the death of Mr Cucchi.
Regarding the circumstances of Mr Cucchi’s death, two government ministers that were somehow ‘informed’ on the outcome of the inquiries before they were made public, ruled that the police had behaved accordingly.
In Netflix’s new drama, On My Skin, we’re going to see: “the incredible true story behind the most controversial Italian court cases in recent years.”
The feature is premiering at the Venice Film Festival, but will be released by Netflix on September 12.
Take a look at what’s in store.
