I'm a frequent viewer of true crime shows but had never heard of this story until viewing all four parts of "Murder on Middle Beach". Filmmaker Madison Hamburg takes us on an intensely personal and painful journey as he tries to find the truth behind the murder of his own mother.
The story itself is simple but the cast of characters are anything but, so there's plenty of mystery for those of us armchair sleuths parsing the clues at home. Production values are first rate, but low key and thankfully devoid of cheesy reenactments.
I can't imagine going through the pain of such an investigation, let alone doing so on film, yet Madison Hamburg does so with a quiet dignity and forgiving, open mind that is rare in people twice his age. I've never met the man, but I strongly suspect I'd like him.
On the other side of the coin, the police detective apparently heading up the case seems well steeped in the arrogance police officers so often display. In fact, the entire police department is a textbook case for why so many people see no real incentive in cooperating with law enforcement, which surely must add substantially to family members' frustration.
As true crime goes, the murder itself is pretty pedestrian. But the series is a compelling watch due to the filmmaker's personal connection and skillful direction. Definitely recommended for fans of true crime.