The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015–2024) User Reviews

Amazing Documentary Series!

[kajmel · 10/10 · 21 March 2015]

Just finished the entire series. This was such a good watch!! At first it didn't sound interesting enough, but after a few episodes of seeing bits and pieces while my husband watched, I was hooked.

I won't give away any spoilers, but this show basically did the amount of investigative research that you'd hope police detectives would do (but apparently, in this case, didn't). Jarecki and his team did a wonderful job... I don't know how this could have been any better. Also love the scenes and music in the beginning credits (Fresh Blood, by Eels).

The last two episodes are just breathtaking. I don't think anyone expected the outcome of this show when they first watched (or started filming)!

This show definitely deserves some Emmys next year!!

Journalistic crescendo

[tonosov-51238 · 9/10 · 1 October 2023]

Every journalist's dream come true. A reclusive, erratic millionaire from a prosperous New York family, suspected of multiple homicides and who convinced a jury he dismembered a person in self-defense, calls you up and asks to pour his soul out to deliver his version of events.

The result is astonishing. This true crime rabbit hole might seem a little bit petty at first and really would've been so if Robert Durst didn't "wisely" decide to narrate every excuse, every supposed motive, and every circumstantial lead this decade-spanning case has against him. It is hard to comprehend what could have possibly motivated him. Did he want attention? Was he feeling so invincible that he thought he could just sit down with HBO and just recount all the things he definitely didn't do?

The finale of the series will probably immediately prompt you to Google where this man is now, only to unfortunately find out that justice has eluded him until the end.

True detectives in real life,greatest documentary i've ever seen.

[nikita-chikita · 10/10 · 18 June 2015]

I don't write reviews that often,but i had to say something about this.It made me literally jump out of my skin,the whole time i was watching it.I can't even begin to explain what i liked the most.I guess i'll begin with the authenticity.It was like watching a fantastic crime TV show,but without the great looking actors.Imagine watching a TV show that combines True Detective,The Killing,CSI,Twin Peaks and all your favorite crime shows of all time(But,the most disturbing part is that this is 100% REAL).Secondly,the storyline was so well constructed.Began very slow and then it got more and more thrilling.I don't wanna say too much about the documentary,because i want you to experience it for yourself and just think about the whole case and draw your own conclusion.This is a must-watch.

It doesn't get much better than this

[Pastore10 · 10/10 · 26 February 2016]

Almost perfectly done, this documentary series has a solid base on its impeccable research and in the interviews with Robert Durst, the man with a disturbed personality who is, at the same time, incredibly charismatic. Episode by episode, we dive more deeply in the mind of this troubled man and also in the doubt that surrounds his actions. Producer Andrew Jarecki knew how to "feed" the spectator with the information in the correct pace, without spoiling the upcoming revelations and lead a true investigation that enlightened things that happened 30 years ago. If you like crime stories, you most definitely should watch. You'll not believe this is a real story being portrayed on the screen!

everything you want from a documentary

[angelorwez · 10/10 · 4 March 2023]

This show is fantastic...

i can't help but compare it to making a murderer...while i feel like it lacks the suspense and the shock value of making a murderer...it still is as profound and hard-hitting...

the story is built up slowly and the people being interviewed are introduced seamlessly at a point where their contribution is needed...it's very well done...

while it does feel like it wasn't wrapped up very well...the note on which it ends is very sublime...leaving you with questions and you're left wondering and shocked and puzzled...

the tone is well-suited...the pacing is great...it's very well told...what more can i say really...it's phenomenal!!

It moves you...and it tells the story of the man very well...just how a proper documentary can...there's hardly any flaws here...that's how good it is...

This is INCREDIBLE!!!!

[ar_brierley · 9/10 · 13 October 2019]

This is the BEST true crime documentary I have EVER seen!! It starts off slowly, but don't give up - stick with it all the way, get the full story, and you won't be disappointed - the ending is explosive!! (Don't look it up beforehand, just go in cold and watch it - you'll see the documentary makers' true skill).

An entertaining crime documentary, but not to be treated as gospel

[tinytots2 · 7/10 · 8 December 2021]

The Jinx is a well-researched and excellently-produced crime documentary. It recreates the principal facts of the cases that Robert Durst was charged with and using interviews with a large array of individuals pertinent to those cases or associated with the principal personalities, gives a first-hand account from multiple perspectives. The show also includes footage from courtrooms and exhibits abundant case-related evidence.

While very entertaining, The Jinx does take some important liberties in its depiction. For instance, it was revealed that the concluding scene of the series was doctored by the director and producers to provide a more shocking finale. This artistic license is especially inappropriate when it comes to documentaries related to real-life ongoing criminal cases (as in this case) since it can influence perception to a large extent. By choosing whom to interview, what parts of those interviews to present and what tone to set in those snippets, it is uncertain if we as the audience get the real picture or are instead given an artificial version to shock, thrill and entertain. Hence, it may be unwise to treat the show's portrayal of events and characters as gospel truth.

Much has happened to Robert Durst since the time this documentary was made: he was convicted in 2021 of Susan Berman's murder and is facing new murder charges related to the alleged death of his missing wife Kathleen McCormack. But even if the documentary becomes outdated in those regards, it makes for an interesting watch to learn about the cases, the involved individuals, the procedural steps (both good and bad), and the power of the media in criminal law enforcement.

better than fiction ...waaaaaaay better !

[Lippi_1982 · 10/10 · 14 August 2015]

This is one of those movies\docs, that you'll find yourself waiting and crying for more and more ...still, you'll have the chance to drown into six episodes of a pure crime and suspense gem. I am I fan of shows such as True Detective, Fargo, etc, but this one, you'll have to see with a different eye, the eye that allow you to see through the detectives, director and, the killers eye ! Something that I do believe was never done before and that's what keeps this show one (or a thousand)steps further.Every time i do the shows review is because i do believe some shows are more than just good or great, they are imperative to watch,because we cannot pass through life without paying attention to some things that are really worth to be noticed, a lot of rubbish is dumped on TV ,but a lot of art is also available , you just have to make a choice,and i really want you to chose this one here ;)

Blurs the line between journalism and entertainment

[peefyn · 8/10 · 27 March 2015]

The Jinx is a great show. I am not American, and I had never heard about the case nor the Durst family before this show. Going in knowing nothing led to some of the revelations being really shocking. The fact that the show is so exciting is at least partly due to the case itself being absolutely bonkers on many levels.

But what makes it more exciting is the wealth of information, people and footage they got access to. You really felt that you were thrown into the middle of an investigation, and saw the case unraveling in front of you. And Robert Dust is a compelling figure. It's difficult to place him as either an eccentric evil genius, or a lucky loony. Probably he is somewhere in the middle. Some of the stuff he does seems more like a bumbling fool than an educated criminal, while other things seems really well thought out. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. His mannerisms and just his character in general is also perfect for a show like this. Because despite everything: He can be pretty funny.

So, as entertainment it was really good. That said: I did not like the reenactments. It felt cheap and out of place, and was not needed for the documentary. There were other parts that should have been left out as well, like when they start annoying a man working security in one of the Durst buildings.

But I guess one of the more important questions to ask yourself here is: should journalism go more in this direction? Because this was, have no doubt about it, made to entertain. Here's my initial thoughts: Except the literal victims here, there are no other victims of this show that I can think of. The friends and family of both victims and others involved seems to have gotten their say, or at least had the chance to. The producers did a really good job researching and investigating the case, and the presentation seems truthful enough. The focus on Robert never turns him entirely into a movie character. Througot the series you start to understand him more as a human being. Or at least the producers impression of him. For now I am in the position that journalism is probably going to go more in this direction, but it is a dangerous path, for it can very easily focus too much on the entertainment and to little on the responsibility of a journalist presenting a case.

Well structured and compelling documentary.

[bhudson-3 · 9/10 · 16 May 2015]

This is a documentary which follows Andrew Jarecki, as he pulls together the story of Robert Durst, who is suspected of killing his wife along with two others.

Robert Durst is part of the Durst family, a prominent property investment force in New York. Andrew Jarecki interviews Robert Durst extensively, along with other key players. He and his team are party to the uncovering of new evidence for these old crimes.

Amazingly, the tension is built and sustained then built again and again - I am sure whether to congratulate Andrew Jarecki as incredibly lucky for the revelations he gets to reveal, or his mastery as a film maker.

I believe that this series is a rare combination of both.

Highly recommended.

Love it!

[quaygarrett · 10/10 · 19 May 2019]

The best true crime doc I've ever seen. Down to the last second.

Andrew Jarecki Capturing Again

[room102 · 8/10 · 11 July 2015]

A 4.5 hours HBO investigation/court documentary split into 6 episodes (or chapters).

This is a fascinating documentary by Andrew Jarecki, who also directed "Capturing the Friedmans (2003)" - one of the best court documentaries I've ever seen. It also tells the real life story of the man on which the movie "All Good Things (2010)", also directed by Jarecki, is loosely based.

Like in two other amazing investigation/court documentaries - those about serial killer Aileen Wuornos and the West Memphis Three - this is another example where the filmmaker finds himself getting involved in the story and having a direct and major affect on the case.

If you haven't heard about this in the news, you might want to avoid reading about the case before watching the documentary - although I did read about it (and then recalled the news several months ago) and it didn't spoil the fascination of watching it.

The documentary follows the life of Robert Durst, who is the son of the late Seymour Durst, one of New York's richest real estate investors and developers. For years Robert has been suspected of killing 3 people: His wife, his female friend, and his neighbor. However, he always managed to "walk between the drops without getting wet".

The film has tons of material, showing old footage, evidence, interviews with the people, reenactment of events, actual footage from court,and amazing of all - interviews and full cooperation from Robert Durst himself.

Each episode focuses mainly on one thing. Starting from episode 4 you'll be glued to your chair. Episode 5 is where the filmmakers themselves are getting into their own documentary and becoming a part of it. I don't want to "spoil" anything for you, but episode 6 is simply amazing. You can't invent stuff like that. The very last minute is simply something that is taken from the movies.

Hopefully not too late.

[pdiepersloot · 7/10 · 19 March 2018]

Murder mysteries as a genre, so it seems, has gained significant momentum over the past few years. Netflix acts as an active supporter of the genre seeing it has recently produced series like The Keepers which proved extremely succesful. The Jinx is yet another mystery crime documentary series which explores multiple murder cases and the people possibly involved in it. This tendency therefore quickly brings to mind a documentary like A Thin Blue Line which, in my opinion, could be seen as the blueprint for these new Netflix series.

What the abovementioned documentaries all have in common is its use of reenactments resulting in an overt dramatization of the displayed themes and storylines. Yet whereas normally the use of reenactments in documentaries might seem questionable, it is within these documentaries that I believe it serves as to illustrate more clearly the inconsistencies surrounding the given suspects and stories. So instead of using it as a way to show what (theoretically) has happened according to the filmmakers, it rather serves as a tool to communicate the flaws surrounding the existing theories about the given events. Its used as a means to pose questions, not answers.

It is for this reason that, in my opinion, the documentaries' credibility is by no means undermined. Moreover, further research concerning any of these documentaries does not result in contradictory findings as is the case with another murder mystery documentary series produced by Netflix; Making a Murderer. Surrounded by inconsistencies, irregularities and questionable evidence this documentary proofed to have taken a few liberties with their findings.

The Jinx, as noted, does however build a surprisingly strong case against Robert Durst without its evidence being disputed by other sources. And its not like these other sources don't get the oppurtunity to present the case in favor of Robert Durst. Even Durst himself has the oppurtunity to explain what has happened and how he was (or wans't) involved. However during the six-episode series a pattern slowly emerges which undeniably lead to one single conclusion.

The documentary surely offers an interesting portrayal of a man caught up in allegations and trials. Furthermore it offers psychological insight into a man who has been subject of many investigations in the past 30 years. And last but not least I find the images produced to be of absolute importance for the world to see. That being said I must conclude that its the story which makes it a great documentary. Not by way of its storytelling for it mostly shows talking-heads, offers little archive material of evidence, and fails to capture the gruesomeness to some extent. Nonetheless the story itself intriques and just screams to be told. Hopefully it is not too late.

Talking heads blather on for over 5 hours

[CineCritic2517 · 1/10 · 16 November 2016]

The Jinx; A documentary about the deaths of a handful of people starring the main suspect who is interviewed after having served time for one of the killings as he maintains his innocence.

Stretched out over six 45-minutes episodes, the documentary basically tells the story of Robert Durst's life with Durst himself collaborating the story entirely apart from having anything to do with the deaths and killings that make the story interesting. After three episodes, this repetitive dynamic becomes quite a drag.

Glued together with archive footage and private family footage of the man's past, we basically get treated to the blather of people involved in Durst's life or in the lives of the people he presumably killed and law enforcement officials involved in the cases. The term blather is not used lightly here. There is surprisingly little sappiness to be found in the comments made. The documentary never makes a case for why the viewer should care about any of these people or their viewpoints, or what Durst himself has to say or lie about the deaths of the victims.

People get killed all the time, Durst very probably was involved in all of the cases presented, yet denies this. It shouldn't take 6 plodding episodes to document this.

4/10

PHENOMENAL

[soulchild-45229 · 9/10 · 10 March 2022]

This is probably one of the best real crime docu-series out there. At least since documentaries like "Paradise Lost" or "The Staircase", we should know how important this genre has become, solving a lot of cases. Really recommend this one.

Even better than "Making a Murderer"

[emilyclairegreenwood · 9/10 · 20 February 2017]

I'm not sure why this series isn't as well known as Making A Murderer. What an amazing insight into the story behind an accused killer who is such a strange and curios character. It's only a short series, but OH so worth it! I really like how the director and producer really probe Robert Durst with some real, juicy questions!

Most definitely a 10!!!!!!!

[ronancraven · 10/10 · 30 May 2015]

It was 11pm last Thursday night and i'm up for work at 7.30am Friday morning. I put on the 1st episode of the Jinx before sleep because i'm thinking it might be good as it was recommended to me by a reliable source who's never let me down before and is very very selective about recommending anything. 5 hours later i finish watching the lot and am amazed at this story. I won't explain what the story is about just in case it ruins it for anyone and also because i'm too lazy. I will say it is fabulous television and a must see for everyone. It should appeal to pretty much everyone. Give this a shot, it's brilliant!!!!!! Huge well done to everyone involved with the making of this documentary. And a huge thanks. Just wish i could watch it fresh again........

Outstanding, truly amazing television

[beardedmills · 10/10 · 5 August 2018]

Having just finished the show, I'm astonished, this may be my 2nd favourite series of all time. I was never into real crime documentaries but this had me completely captivated from the word go. Highly would recommend to anyone

Geeky Randy's summary

[Geeky Randy · 9/10 · 21 March 2015]

Groundbreaking HBO miniseries about Robert Durst. Directed by Andrew Jarecki, who previously directed the Durst-inspired ALL GOOD THINGS (2010). The show follows the reclusive real estate scion through three unsolved murders with plenty of history and mystery—all of which Durst himself became a suspect in—as well as taking some time to detail Durst's complex early life that could either explain his eccentricity… or perhaps suggest his ability to commit the crimes in question. The documentary incorporates in-person interviews and phone conversations over the course of many years, all building up to a historical finale.

***½ (out of four)

Fascinating if sensationalist documentary

[s3276169 · 7/10 · 29 March 2015]

The Jinx is a fascinating documentary that examines the troubled and turbulent life of Robert Durst who comes from a dynastic family of wealthy US property owners.

Its a larger than life story that brings into focus issues of inequality and criminal justice as it exists under the current capitalist system in the USA. The old saying, "money opens all doors", applies in spades in the USA. The outcome of criminal proceedings depends, in large part, on what level of legal expertise you can afford.

The series documentary style is detailed and well presented. This includes fairly extensive interviews with Robert "Bob" Durst. Its hard not to sympathize with Bob on some level. He's in some respects a victim of US capitalism. Yet at the same time his, at times eccentric and evasive behavior raises a lot of questions that remain unanswered. Simply put the mans a rather fascinating, if disturbing, enigma.

What does limit this series somewhat is its rather sensationalist presentation. This makes you fully understand why prominent people, in the US, feel the need to escape from the trial by media that seems to be standard fare for anyone accused of anything.

In summary, a competent documentary that could have been excellent had it knocked off the sensationalism and focused a little more closely on the facts. Seven out of ten from me.

i mean its ok...overly produced and suspicious editing

[barrygoeasy · 3/10 · 30 September 2021]

Suspicious of the end scene. Chop chop in the edit i think.

Incredible. You must see this.

[neilanosim · 10/10 · 17 April 2018]

I'm not one for hyperbole. I'm not one for 'best eva' nonsense. But after almost half a century on this planet, I developed a taste for documentaries. On a personal level, there is no better crime documentary than Morris's 'The thin blue line', but 'The Jinx' is not a movie, it's a series.

I watched this after the massively overrated so called 'whodunit' 'Making a murderer' (he did it, obviously!). I was blown away. I think the last time a documentary series dragged me in like this was with 'The Staircase'. Is this better than that? i would say, 'yes' ,but only just.

This will have you on the end of your seat. I watched this with a few friends one night and I've never heard a room go so quiet once it got going. It will utterly absorb you. We planned on watching one episode but ended up watching the whole series in one go until 3.am. With work the next morning no less! Whilst I do not recommend that, I recommend getting hold of a copy and watching it.

But make sure you start in the afternoon, because you won't be able to wait for the next part. For me, the master of understatement, I would say that I can't think of a better documentary series than this.

ALMOST PERFECT DOCUMENTARY

[mrcynic00 · 8/10 · 26 April 2020]

I begin by saying that i like the title THE JINX :'A Person or a thing that brings bad luck',it makes one wonder that may be the person is right but the people or circumstances around him are wrong or the vice versa. Its a story of person named Robert Durst (havent heard of him before).He is an American real estate heir related to Durst Organisation.He is suspected of murdering 3 people in 3 different states.The documentary is a 6 part series where we witness murders,investigations,trial and Robert relationship with his family, while he is interviewed by Director Andrew Jarecki. I will say that Robert 'Bob' durst is a fascinating,interesting character.He rarely shows emotion while giving the interview just blinking his eyes too many times while talking. The Director Andrew has also made a movie called ALL GOOD THINGS(till now havent watched the movie)inspired by the same.I like how audiences are given a background of a sort of BOB durst,his relationship with his family and wife.Special mention to the trial which feels fine legally but not humanely. Overall its a solid documentary,engaging,not very lengthy almost perfect.

Best true crime doc of all time along Making Murderer

[bscale · 10/10 · 6 May 2020]

See it now! if you haven't seen it yet. The most stunning tv shows ever.

A great documentry

[cheer88 · 9/10 · 26 July 2018]

I saw " All good things" a few years back and was curious about the alleged suspect, Robert Durst. Later, I watched several news programs about him. Somehow, it was only natural to come across this title eventually.

I watched two similar crime series on Netflix, "Making a Murderer" and "The Staircase". None of them were convincing to me. Both suspects in these two cases were convicted as murderers. However, those two film makers indeed tried to portrait their innocence, otherwise. Especially, the suspect in "Making a Murderer" is undoubtedly guilty . The film makers somehow misled audience to believe suspects' innocence with their bias directing skills. This one is neutral and journalistic.

The main focus of this documentary is on Robert Durst entirely not on any particularly alleged crimes he committed. The history of him is very well to depict his psychopathic personality. He got away with those murders because of his wealth and connections. When he agreed to participate this documentary against his lawyer's cautious advises, he wasn't aware that his fate was about to take turn for worse. This also coincided with those analyses of psychopathic behaviors. Despite of all the complexities of psychopath, Robert Durst is a real life psychopath who is now behind bars because of this film. I would say so far this is the best outcome anyone could hope for.

This is a good journalist work. It did not only have its entertaining value but also serve justice for victims. What could be better than that? I would recommend it.