Watch False Confessions

False Confessions is a 2018 documentary film that explores the issue of false confessions, particularly in cases of wrongful convictions. The film focuses on the personal stories of four individuals who were wrongfully convicted of crimes they didn't commit. The film begins by introducing us to Jane Fisher-Byrialsen, the director and producer of the film, whose own son was wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn't commit. She uses her personal experience as a starting point to explore the issue of false confessions.

One of the main cases featured in the film is the case of Marty Tankleff, who was wrongfully convicted of murdering his parents when he was just a teenager. The film explores how Marty's confession, which was obtained under duress, led to his conviction and subsequent imprisonment for over 17 years. The film also delves into how the prosecution made use of false evidence to secure the conviction.

Another case the film explores is that of Michael Crowe, who was wrongfully accused of murdering his sister when he was just 14 years old. The film looks at how Michael's confession, which was obtained after hours of interrogation, was used against him in court. The film also examines how the police, pressured to find a suspect quickly, focused on Michael and his two friends and essentially forced them into confessing.

The film also features the stories of two other individuals: Jeffrey Deskovic, who was wrongfully convicted of raping and murdering a classmate when he was just 16, and Angel Gonzalez, who was wrongfully convicted of a double murder in 1994. The film looks at how both men were coerced into confessing to crimes they didn't commit.

Throughout the film, we hear from a range of experts, including psychologists, lawyers, and advocates, who shed light on the issue of false confessions. They discuss how factors such as coercion, duress, fatigue, and even mental illness can all contribute to the phenomenon of false confessions. They also examine how certain interrogation tactics, such as the use of leading questions and false promises, can elicit false confessions.

One particularly striking aspect of the film is the way it juxtaposes the personal stories of these individuals with the larger societal implications of false confessions. The film looks at how wrongful convictions affect not just the individuals and their families, but also the wider community. It explores the emotional toll of being imprisoned for a crime you didn't commit, as well as the impact on the social fabric of communities that have been torn apart by wrongful convictions.

Overall, False Confessions is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on an issue that is all too often overlooked in discussions of the criminal justice system. Through its personal stories and expert analysis, the film makes a compelling case for the need to reform a system that can too easily lead to unjust outcomes.

False Confessions is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.