CINCINNATI (WXIX) – It seems that now more than ever, true crime is a subsection of entertainment that has enthralled a multitude of audiences across the globe, and it’s easy to see why.
Our curious nature as humans has lured us into these stories of grief and tragedy, watching as filmmakers deftly unfold these stories through the cinematic lens itself.
On streaming services such as Netflix, many films of this caliber are available and continue to captivate audiences.
Maybe that’s why I passed over “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” at first glance. You see, I have a love-hate relationship with many of these true crime documentaries.
While, on the one hand, filmmakers explore these stories in ways that emphasize entertainment value, I’ve often walked away from many of these films disgusted at how exploitative and superficial they feel in the context of bringing such a heartbreaking story to life for “shock value.”
Often, when watching these movies, it can seem that the filmmakers care more about getting a reaction out of audiences than they do about telling these stories to the best of their ability, and perhaps that’s why seeing the poster for the film about Moriah Wilson’s life didn’t interest me in the slightest.
However, after its premiere at SXSW drew positive reactions, I decided to check it out for myself and discovered a true crime documentary that stands apart from the competition in its ability to tell a poignant, emotional recollection of an incredible person’s life.
In the first few minutes of “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson,” audiences are introduced to the central figure, who continues to foster a competitive streak as she grows older.
You see, Moriah discovers at a young age that she wants to be the best, and this pursuit leads her headfirst into athletics, starting with competitive ski racing and later transitioning to where she finds her true passion: gravel cycling.
Throughout her career, Moriah is consistently lauded as one of the best in her field, winning competition after competition and continuing to foster that competitive streak that will lead her to new heights.
However, this pursuit is horrifically shattered one fateful evening in Austin, Texas, when a devastating action occurs that changes the course of her life.
“The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” is not just the story of the ensuing legal case, but also of who Moriah was as a person and an athlete.
Filmmaker Marina Zenovich has a careful handle on the emotional impact of this story, and that is apparent. Through early interviews with people who were closest to Moriah, we are given a distinct portrait of this incredible person, watching with earnestness as the drive that fuels Moriah is conveyed so expertly on the big screen.
One of the things that’s so devastating about this film is how, in every second, you feel the same passion Moriah brings to her pursuits in the world of cycling, aiming for the top and striving to get there at any cost.
On that level, “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” almost feels like a classic sports success story at times, and this is part of what is so arresting about it.
Smartly and tastefully, the film doesn’t shy away from portraying the devastating murder case, but it also uses time to convey and contextualize Moriah as a well-rounded character and person, which adds emotional depth and nuance to the material in spades.
It’s a touch that so many other true crime documentaries are missing, and something that is truly noticeable in many specific cases.
However, true crime fans will surely appreciate how carefully the film transitions into the central murder case. Using police body camera and surveillance footage, Zenovich gives audiences a front-row view of the intricate pieces and details that build up to such a devastating act.
With interviews from members of the primary legal team, as well as from people of interest in the central case, “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” is a film that delicately handles its subject matter, never shying away from showcasing the more stomach-churning moments of this case, yet doing so in a way that feels artistic and, most importantly, motivated.
However, “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” is not a movie that revels in the gruesome nature of its central case for the entirety of its runtime. Rather, what struck me the most about this film was how the structure effectively transitions away from its core legal pursuit at key moments to add context to Moriah as a person and how her hopes, dreams, and aspirations came to be.
I found myself surprisingly moved for much of the runtime for a clear reason: this is a simple story about wanting to pursue what you love at any cost, set in the context of how jealousy and hatred can alter the lives of people around you.
The story here is indeed heartbreaking and emotionally draining, but rather than reveling in gloom and somberness, the film breaks through to deliver a memorial that manages to capture her spirit perfectly.
We cheer for Moriah as she crosses the finish line at a gravel race, her enthusiastic family motivating her every step of the way. We ponder her personal diary musings and recollections, which put the entire story into a different context.
Rather, what struck me the most about “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” is that this true crime film is full of life, love, and care in every moment, which is what elevates the material above the rest of the competition.
However, those obsessed with legal proceedings and true crime documentaries might ultimately leave disappointed here, as the central case of the film itself isn’t as complex or involved as one might expect.
Rather, in stark contrast to other movies of this caliber, you will know quickly who the main suspect is, and for good reason.
The evidence is insurmountable, and the alibi does not add up. And on that level, some true crime fans will surely be disgruntled at how the movie handles its central case, conveying everything up front with no real twists or turns to be found along the way.
Yet, ultimately, I believe that this is precisely the point of the film. “The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” is not a movie about the legal case. It’s a movie about Moriah herself. Her persona, her cheerful demeanor, and her characterization are placed at the forefront here.
This allows the film to feel infinitely more authentic and true to what the genre itself looks for, and if audiences are willing to engage with the material, they’ll discover a story that has dark moments but looks forward with a careful light in memory of this special person.
“The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” is now streaming on Netflix.
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