They Called Him Mostly Harmless
Directed by Patricia E. Gillespie
★★★
Christie Harris - "Citizen Detective"
THEY CALLED HIM MOSTLY HARMLESS
They Called Him Mostly Harmless, the latest documentary on Max, takes audiences on a captivating journey through the mysterious case of an unidentified hiker found deceased in the Florida wilderness. Directed and executive produced by Emmy winner Patricia E. Gillespie, the film introduces “a character-centric reimagining of the classic true crime genre.” The documentary offers a unique perspective by focusing not only on the enigmatic subject but also on the devoted internet sleuths who played a pivotal role in solving the two-year-long identity puzzle.
From the outset, the documentary sets the stage with the discovery of the unidentified hiker and the release of a sketch by authorities. The narrative takes an intriguing turn as multiple hikers claim to have encountered the man, revealing a peculiar detail – he never disclosed his name. This omission becomes the crux of the story, leading to a complex web of clues and an online community-driven investigation that defies the conventional true crime documentary structure.
At its core, They Called Him Mostly Harmless stands out as a breezy yet engrossing exploration of the human connection forged in the pursuit of answers. The film successfully maintains an air of mystery, keeping viewers guessing about the true identity of the deceased hiker. For the most part, it is well-paced, offering a mix of suspense and revelation that propels the narrative forward.
What sets this documentary apart is its focus on the online true crime forum community, a double-edged sword that the film portrays with both honesty and complexity. The internet sleuths, driven by an insatiable curiosity, form a community that proves both full toxicity and helpfulness. The film doesn't shy away from highlighting the darker aspects of this online world, revealing the conflicts, controversies, and ethical dilemmas that arise when amateurs take on the role of investigators.
The character-centric approach is a notable strength of They Called Him Mostly Harmless. Instead of merely presenting facts, the documentary delves into the lives and motivations of the individuals involved in the case, both the unidentified hiker and the online sleuths. This shift in focus transforms the film into a compelling character study, adding depth to the storytelling.
However, the documentary does have moments of disjunction, where the narrative seems to lose its thread. The transition between the hiker's story and the online community's involvement occasionally feels abrupt, disrupting the overall flow of the film. While this may be a deliberate choice to emphasize the complexity of the investigation, it can leave the audience feeling slightly off-kilter.
They Called Him Mostly Harmless is a commendable addition to the true crime documentary genre. It skillfully navigates the delicate balance between mystery and character exploration, shedding light on the intricacies of online communities in crime-solving. Ultimately, it is very intriguing and engrossing in its quaint hour-and-a-half run time, making this documentary a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by the intersection of technology and investigation.
