5 Reasons Netflix's 'Mindhunter' Is Your New Obsession
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5 Reasons Netflix's 'Mindhunter' Is Your New Obsession

Delve into the minds of murderers.

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5 Reasons Netflix's 'Mindhunter' Is Your New Obsession
Netflix

Netflix seems to be pumping out a steady stream of quality content these days. It can be hard to parse through the ever-increasing number of titles, let alone decide which to watch. With break approaching, you'll have more time to dedicate to binge-watching. (And spending time with your family, or whatever...) With only one season under its belt, the show is perfect for those searching for a series that will grip their interest, but isn't a major commitment.

Here are five reasons to watch this thrilling crime drama:

1. Based on real events.

The series was created by Joe Penhall and is based on the true crime novel " Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit," written by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. It follows FBI agents Bill Tench and Holden Ford as they interview imprisoned serial killers (then called "sequence killers", as the series takes place in the late 1970s), hoping to apply their research to on-going cases.

2. Visually stylistic.

David Fincher is a producer for the series and directs four episodes (the first two and the last two). Tench and Ford spend much of their time in graying prisons and drab, nowhere towns. Still, Fincher manages to imbue the show with a sense of thematic urgency and elegance. Each location is announced with massive text that nearly blocks out the entire screen. Additionally, the story takes place in the late 70s, which is reflected in the character's clothing, cars, and language. If you enjoy your shows having an awareness of (or attention to) aesthetic, then this is for you.

3. Great performances.

Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, who play Ford and Tench respectively, deliver fine performances. They play their characters' partnership with the perfect ratio of loyalty and disdain.

Anna Torv — who plays the startlingly beautiful, astute psychologist Wendy Carr — gives a measured-yet-mesmerizing performance.

Most notably, however, are the psychopaths and serial killers the trio interview. Cameron Britton (who plays Ed Kemper) and Happy Anderson (who plays Jerry Brudos) are incredibly adept at playing their characters. I imagine they must have made their coworkers uncomfortable on-set.

4. Psychologically disturbing.

In line with the last reason — "Mindhunter" is psychologically disturbing. Like "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," the show doesn't shy away from the heinous acts Ford and Tench's subjects have committed. If you're faint of heart (and mind) then this might not be the show for you. However, if you enjoy delving into the dark annals of murderous psychopaths' psyche, then... Well, enjoy.

5. Psychologically engaging.

The show is fast-paced and intellectually stimulating. Holden's girlfriend, Debbie Mitford (played by Hannah Gross), is a post-grad student at the University of Virginia and routinely introduces philosophical concepts. Likewise, Wendy is an academic whose clinical approach to the research initially grates on Holden and Tench. As the title suggests, the show is constantly engaging with cerebral concepts and analytical questions that will leave your brain hurting (in a good way).

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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