House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths (2021) User Reviews

An important mini documentary

[matrixdukenukem · 8/10 · 8 October 2021]

I don't know if this is a must watch for all. Without spoiling anything I can tell you this is one important piece of media that has a valid reason to exist.

It's not the best documentary or even very well made one. This could've easily been a 2 hour documentary film instead of a 3 episode mini series. There is a lot of false intrigue and beating around the bush going on in the first and second episode. Multiple interviews are saying the same thing again and again. But, the final episode justifies its existence.

I for one, did not know any about this case. The last episode is very well crafted and tastefully done. Sheds light on many issues that we, in society need to start discussing openly. Overall this was eye opening, rather long but we'll intentioned documentary. I hope there are more to come from Netflix.

Am amazing case, a padded documentary

[paul2001sw-1 · 6/10 · 18 October 2021]

The self-hangings of eleven family members in Buratti, Delhi was a horrific and bizarre event: it seems that one family member had convinced the others that a dead ancestor was speaking through him, and that they would be divinely rescued as the final stage of the ritual that in fact took their lives. We'll never know to what extent the perpetrator was self-deluding or a cynical manipulator who took himself beyond his comfort level; what is clear is that everyone appeared normal to the outside world, even as they came to believe in a fatally absurd vision. The story would make for a great hour-long documentary; but there's not really enough here to justify three whole episodes, so we get a lot of shots of talking heads who are keen to speak but who have little that's necessary to add ("I saw them take the bodies out the building!" "I rescued the family dog!"). It's worth watching if you can bear the padding.

Spine-Chilling

[nairtejas · 8/10 · 20 October 2021]

The Burari deaths shook me like it did the whole of India in 2018 when the news broke of a mass suicide of all 11 members of a family. Although I knew a lot about the case as it started breaking, this documentary covers almost all the aspects by tracing the family's history and showing the whys and hows of the suicide. It's a 3-episode mind-numbing documentary that should be seen and discussed as much as we can. Props to the makers for discussing journalistic ethics and mental health.

An UNBELIEVABLE Watch.

[MandalBros-5 · 10/10 · 9 October 2021]

First of all, hats off to the director Leena Yadav and Anubhav Chopra for choosing this case to make it into a documentary. The case is about the demise of 11 members of the same family. Was it a mass suicide? If yes, then why? It is the premises of this documentary. Can't believe this was really happened. I was scared specially while watching the 2nd episode. Score by Rahman was superb, it intrigued me to the screen.

The voice over was done perfectly, it was giving that feel of horror. The editing was sharp and that's why it's very engaging. This has also showed that some media houses can do anything even in a sensitive situation only for their TRP. But, these are all secondary things. The primary and best thing of this documentary is its unbelievable true case. I think it's A Must Watch.

DISCLAIMER : Please DON'T watch this ALONE at NIGHT.

Available on Netflix.

© MandalBros.

Unbelievable!

[ashishsureshbhosle · 10/10 · 8 October 2021]

The most disgusting part related this entire real catastrophe was media & how they ran in a cat & mouse race for winning their audience by going beyond fake reporting (there are true exceptions as well). I guess movie industry have got a sensational topic to come up with a film now. While their relatives explaining how heartbroken they're my eyes were filled with water. Everyone was praising them, about their goodness , society centric approach & How it ended. An eye opener for society where at times our emotions takes over the facts & we blindly crosses the limits of reality & starts living an imaginary life. The only thing I can say is it's sadden. Please try not to cry.

Disturbing and captivating

[Calicodreamin · 7/10 · 11 October 2021]

A truly disturbing true crime story of the deaths of an entire family. The documentary was well made and interviewed the relevant parties. Though the last episode focused heavily on psychology and speculation, the first two episodes were utterly captivating.

Mental Health isn't a joke! It should never be.

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 9/10 · 12 October 2021]

From the abyss of Superstitious lunacy to the shenanigans of Mass Media; House of Secrets touches on every little thing that had been in association with this unusual case in one way or another. A sort of case study on the societal perspectives that may or may not have played a big part in this awful incident.

Netflix's brand new documentary series is assertive, factual and most importantly holds an entirely different stance altogether. On top of a dominant and thorough showcasing of the investigation itself, the show also concentrates upon the likely reasons for which all this might have had ensued in the first place.

Amidst the abundance of disclosures, some come off as plain vexatious and others make little sense, to be honest. Yet, I loved how they addressed such a delicate topic with extreme integrity and care. All the Psychological factors are well explained by the specialists who are coming with lots of knowledge and belong to these fields respectively.

In short, this demonstrates a fascinating narrative that will make sure you stay glued to your seat for the full duration. In my opinion, this may as well be one of the finest Crime Docu-Series Netflix or any other streaming service for that matter has ever produced.

Shocking and sad

[gallagherkellie · 7/10 · 11 October 2021]

This had me hooked within the first 20 minutes. I can't believe this is a true story - so very sad and mind boggling.

The story is very gripping and thought provoking. The actual documentary was decent but sometimes showed the same images over and over.

The prob wasnt Lalit's psychosis due to hs narcolepsy bt the problem is that we Indians never question our parents, elders n our country leaders evn if they r authoritarian or

[Fella_shibby · 9/10 · 19 October 2021]

Even if our leaders, our parents n our elders follow bizarre rituals.

The faces of the three kids, Monu , Dhruv and Shivam almost gave me sleepless nights.

I cannot tolerate any violence towards kids n the crime showed in this series is a true event.

This documentary is creepy, engrossing but not wisely directed. Some of the fellas who were interviewed were almost laughing n giggling inspite of it being a sensitive matter.

Lalit's friend told us that Lalit suffered head injury aft a bike accident.

His friend stated that Lalit started suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness, Lait used to go to sleep while sitting or talking with friends.

Maybe Lalit was suffering from narcolepsy.

Patients with narcolepsy attach significance to a particular vivid hallucination, often followed by attempts to explain the hallucination. This could lead to delusional explanations of such hallucinatory experiences.

But even if Lalit was suffering from psychosis, the most dangerous thing is that none of the teenagers or for that matter the 23 year old gal objected to Lalit's authoritarian n bizarre behavior and that is what the problem is with us Indians.

We give more importance to so called rituals where we obey elders left right n center.

We never question our elders, our parents n not even our leaders.

An important issue getting addressed

[RoohN · 7/10 · 9 October 2021]

I was dismissive when I stared this docu-series. My expectations were low. The first episode was all about the bizarre story and I lost interest in some parts. The second episode was filmed as the sensational conclusion which had led me almost to loose faith in humanity. BUT. But what redeemed the series for me was the third episode. It brought light to the actual reason and which I could accept and digest. The important issue that needs to be addressed in India and all over the world. Mental health.

The Naked Truth

[priyanshupareek-12692 · 9/10 · 8 October 2021]

Really horrible u cant watch it straight with ur heart really u will need breaks to think It will made u think again and again like how.

Unexpected story, lots of doubts.

[Guanche48 · 7/10 · 13 October 2021]

I liked the series. Entertaining, short and strong. Something unexpected, very detailed.

Do not forget, this happened in 2018, if it had been in the 60's or 70's I would believe that 11 members of a family believe this lie.

But that the youngest women in the family and the older children believe in this... it does not enter my head. Even if we are talking about the (religion) culture of India.

Something more than suicide must have happened here.

Dragged on too long. Details about the incident too scarce.

[richardbun30 · 4/10 · 13 October 2021]

3 episodes for this? I would've understand if the incident was explained in detail but all we got for all 3 episodes were infos we could know just by googling the incident. Documentaries are made to tell the events, not the journalists or reporter's personal feeling while working on the case. Massive disappointment of what was supposed to be a very haunting case.

Well made documentary and stayed with me for long time

[designercandlesu · 9/10 · 8 October 2021]

I wasn't aware of this case prior to watching this series, so I went in blind, and I was satisfied that it covered the story really well.

It was presented really well and touched the most important point of this case- mental illness and lack of its awareness and the taboo in our society.

As Barkha said- this needs to be normalised and talked about more. I contest.

What haunted me the most is was when Lalit is in Priyanka'a engagement and as they say he looks withdrawn and he is sleeping a lot, he probably is planning step by step the final moments of his and his family's. This is when he expedited the plan for the ritualistic suicide although many articles say as per diary entries he was planning this for last 5 years. To think that all 11 people, most of them adults, truly believed in his delusions and believed they will revive and come alive?

Although they couldn't decide if this was a murder or suicide. I will call It murder. Lalit slowly brainwashed his family, although he was sick himself, and then hung them and then hung himself. Wow. What a sad outcome and this is truly very disturbing case.

It's a documentary and not any entertainment stuff !!

[gyandeepmishra · 8/10 · 8 October 2021]

THE BURARI DEATHS talks about the circumstances and horrible instances that lead to such a terrific incidence .Its a documentary which helps to resolve the mystery and give us a idea of many unanswered questions .This documentry is not meant for everyone as many people can find it disturbing .If you are curious to know about such superstitious incidences and wanted to know how such things still exists in 21st century please go for it!!!

Curse of Blind faith and Journalism.

[bizzarebrajesh · 7/10 · 12 October 2021]

A deep story about the things we don't wanna talk about. Rituals, faith and mental health. Watch it before it's takes your life how one blind faith can entangle you.

And with masala journalism where you don't care to show reality but to show anything first or in their language, we're first to break this news Don't matter if it's true or not.

Intriguing.. Chilling & Disturbing!!

[sanjubhat · 8/10 · 8 October 2021]

#sanjuzzreviews #houseofsecrets

Based on true events, this docuseries takes a deep dive into the horrific deaths of 11 members of a single family in Burari- Delhi.

3 generations wiped out in a single night, ghastly.. ain't it? This is one of the most bizarre & chilling cases to come to light in recent times.

Was it murder? Was it a ritual mass suicide or were there any occult practices at play. Why would a seemingly normal family,happy & financially well off suddenly commit suicide is what the series tries to decipher.

This was a one of the most sensational cases which rocked the country after the Arushi murder case and the Nithari killings.

This 3 part series is disturbing as much as it is intriguing. Well presented too. Not for the faint hearted !!

Adios 🙂

Houses of Secrets

[alexacz · 7/10 · 12 October 2021]

It's very difficult to describe this mini series with a couple words only.. It's not entertainment, it's not horror, it's not sensational.. more than anything it's about the horrors and suffering of everyday life, the importance of mental health and not enough support.. Not enough general awareness about toxic and manipulative tactics etc. They could have been our neighbors. What would we have done??

It gets darker as it unfolds!

[yuvipahari · 10/10 · 8 October 2021]

The most spine chilling fact is that this is not based on real events or an adaption.. IT IS THE REAL EVENT, you see unfolding in front of you! These are real people, real emotion! Man... it would take a stone hard heart for a person to relive and talk about the one night in which his 3 generations were wiped out.

Could have been an hour Documentary film than series.

[kalyanbk-Reviews · 6/10 · 15 October 2021]

Its a story which needs to be shared and talked about but its dragged with same thing being repeated again and again, wish it could have been just made as an hour documentary film. Would have been more gripping and fast paced.

Brilliant fast-paced spine-chilling Docuseries from Netflix

[satishmeghani · 10/10 · 8 October 2021]

A must watch Docuseries on Mass Suicide of a family living in Delhi's Burari area. It's very disturbing so real with real tv footages. Highly recommended!

Interesting case... average documentary!

[redkyng · 6/10 · 23 October 2021]

Interesting case that shows us the importance of psychological conservation and mental health, the 1st and 2nd episodes are excellent sadly the 3rd one was useless.

Two Episodes too Long

[bluestminou · 5/10 · 13 October 2021]

Interesting story about how gullible religious minded people can be. But the story was told in a roundabout way, repeatedly presenting the opinion of friends and family members on how intelligent and independant these people seemed. The story itself is incredibly sad and depressing. The documentary itself is not concise enough.

It's Very Good

[rikenpatel-02979 · 9/10 · 9 October 2021]

This Web Series Did Very Good Performance. It Shows a Pure Truth of Burari Deaths in Delhi. Please Never Accept these kind of Superstition in our Real Life.

A must watch documentary.

[sidd275 · 9/10 · 8 October 2021]

For more than a decade, an 11-member house in a North Delhi neighbourhood witnesses the subtle rise of an ordinary but mentally-ill (wasn't he?) man to the unquestionable numero-uno position. He becomes the emperor-o-tyrant of that house, with that house being his closeted empire. Though the people of that kingdom come across as perfectly socially interactive and "normal" humans, but every house has secrets, and so the tyranny goes ignored even if noticed by other people in neighbourhood. In a significant event that was about to break the social interaction rules of that empire, a female member gets engaged in obvious other family and so the idea of her marriage gets her close to leaving the empire of tyrant, who soon realises that the quality and quantity of his authority is in grave danger. Foreseeing the inevitable fate of fall, the tyrant convinces the entire empire to sacrifice their lives for the love of emperor and empire.

As close as it may seem, this is not an episode summary of Netflix's "How To Become A Tyrant", though it comes really close to it. The narrative I've written above in a personal-interpretation manner has been sensitively and well-documented in a much different way by Leena Yadav in her 3-episode limited series "House Of Secrets" on Netflix.

The horrifying tale about delusion of a mentally ill but influential tyrant in a North Delhi family deserves a watch.