A Review of ‘Pathological: The Lies of Joran van der Sloot’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

PATHOLOGICAL: THE LIES OF JORAN VAN DER SLOOT -- Pictured: Joran van der Sloot -- (Photo by: PEACOCK)

If there one particular flaw that exists in the current world of true-crime documentaries, it would have to be… there’s a lack of balance. To which, there is good reason for that. Because the individuals that are ready to put together a story of murder and mayhem or whatever crime was committed know that the audience wants to be taken on a journey. One that is compelling and powerful and informative. So, a vast majority of them, focus on the crime at hand and how it played out while examining the ugly and twisted psyche of those who committed such atrocious acts. Which does indeed offer up what the audience wants, but really only looks at the core aspects alone. When in fact, there is more to explore, more we NEED to explore.
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Because the fact of the matter is… crime in any capacity has a grave impact upon the lives of those involved and we truly need to see more of that. So, we understand the bigger picture and understand the impact of crime so that perhaps… we can begin to impact change regarding it. Thankfully, as peak television continues to rule the day and audiences are demanding more content, that is oddly creating a shift in how true-crime documentaries are told. For now, the folks behind it are working to try and find balance and offer a compelling story that explores the impact of what happened and for proof that this is possible and that this shift is underway, look no further than a new true crime documentary that debuts on Peacock today, Pathological: The Lies of Joran van der Sloot.

Which is a documentary that chronicles the horrors that Joran van der Sloot imparted upon a pair of families over the past couple of decades. Since Joran was the man responsible for taking the lives of Natalle Holloway and Stephany Flores, and well… that allows for this documentary to offer up what is perhaps, the definitive exploration of a crime spree that began in 2005 and ended late last year with a long-awaited confession from Joran. A storytelling decision that truly does offer up a compelling and powerful exploration of how and why these crimes occurred, and what drove Joran to do them, and the state of mind necessary to make that happen. But truly, where this documentary shines… is in the impact it explores.

Because this is that rare documentary that doesn’t rush through each moment and doesn’t rush through each crime. It presents a critical area in the case and dives into the impact of that area in a far deeper manner than most documentaries do. By offering up a battery of reactions from those who covered it, were involved in it, and they speak in a manner so raw and so powerful… you truly understand the harm that Joran created, and truly understand how life-changing his decisions were upon the two families. Not to mention, we get special insight from some of the folks that interacted with him, to truly garner a powerful psychological profile of a man… that infuriates the viewer through and through.

Simply because… we also come to learn how much Joran relies and has relied upon charm to get through life, and how he suckers people with it. Giving rise to a profile and an ending that isn’t rosy or pretty… just grounded in the facts and the flaws of our world. Which makes for an emotional and balanced experience. One that is supremely educational since you learn all there is to know about the case, but you’re also deeply moved in every sense of the phrase. Because this is that documentary that has it all, and really is essential viewing when all is said and done.

For Joran’s story, and the horror he imparted upon others… speaks to real problems in our world regarding toxic masculinity, and how we give charm too much credit. But most important of all, it tells the story of two families deeply damaged by one man’s poor and cruel decisions, and the sour feelings we are left with, is the key. Because that’s what we need more of in this world right now, empathy, and it is wonderful that this documentary offers that alongside the facts regarding a cold and remorseless murderer that thrives in the world of pathological lies.

Watch ‘Pathological: The Lies of Joran van der Sloot’ on Peacock now.

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