Nerds That Geek Documentary Review: ‘TikTok Star Murders’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

TIKTOK STAR MURDERS -- Pictured: Atmosphere -- (Photo by: Peacock)

We live in a fascinating time when it comes to fame and fortune. Because thanks to the advent of social media, people no longer have to take the traditional route of moving to Los Angeles and getting an agent before committing to the grind to find fame and fortune. They can have a viral moment and suddenly be in the spotlight and capitalize on that and build an empire. Or they just start a YouTube or TikTok channel and showcase their talents to the world and grow an audience that way and live their dreams of being in the spotlight. Which really has inspired so many to go for it and shoot their shot and it is something we now celebrate since it is getting some talented folks in front of the world, quickly.
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But alas, while there is a lot of joy to be found in just going for it and living the American Dream in this manner, there is a dark side that accompanies this unique path to fame. Because sometimes, people grow their audience overnight and are in the spotlight just like that, and having a massive audience ready for content can be overwhelming. Not to mention, there is no guidance or mentorship for this kind of rise to fame and that can lead to confusion and trouble for folks that aren’t emotionally or mentally ready for the burdens that do come with fame, and that can pull them out of the spotlight as quickly as it put them beneath it, and it can also… lead to outright disaster.

Because too much fame, too quickly and without guidance, can do some psychological damage and push people into strange headspaces as they struggle to reconcile fantasy versus reality and it just so happens… that how that takes place and how badly it can rip a person and their mind to pieces, is top of mind today, courtesy of a powerful new documentary on Peacock, entitled TikTok Star Murders. For this documentary tells the tragic tale of Ali and Ana Abulaban. Who had it all a few years ago, since this couple seemingly were the toast of TikTok with Ali leading the charge as the man of many impressions and his wife was along for the ride and in the spotlight. Until suddenly… things fell to pieces and strains were revealed and Ali… made the worst choice imaginable and shot and killed his wife and a good friend of hers.

Which at first just seems like a grand tragedy, but that is where this documentary showcases the dangers of unexpected and rushed fame. For we learn in detail, how Ali and Ana met and how they fell in love and how their lives changed for the worse with Ali’s decision to get on the web and make his own platform and find that fast fame. Simply because this documentary makes it clear, that fame transformed his psyche and warped it, because he really had not a clue how to embrace it, process it and live with it. In fact, in many ways, the lines between TikTok and everyday life became blurred for Ali. As though he never knew when he was putting on a show or dealing with matters that actually required his full attention, away from his phone, and that… combined with some other unresolved psychological issues was enough to generate that break. One that would indeed stun the world.

All of which brings forth, a powerful and unsettling documentary. One that truly does explore in stunning detail, the downward spiral of a man that wanted nothing more than to be an entertainer and ended up becoming a criminal because he truly lost the plot and lost touch with reality. Making this a cautionary tale that is devastating to watch but should be seen and should be shared. So that others that hope to be in Ali’s shoes, can learn how to stay grounded and how to focus on what’s real and what’s not. But it should also be seen… to keep the memory of the innocent alive, so their lives and the light they brought to the world will never be overshadowed… by one man’s downward spiral and struggle with fame and fortune.

Watch ‘TikTok Star Murders’ on Peacock.   

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