Watch Joanne Dennehy: Serial Killer

Joanne Dennehy: Serial Killer is a chilling documentary that delves into the dark world of one of Britain's most notorious female serial killers. Airing in 2019 and hosted by journalist Susanna Reid, the film explores the horrific crimes committed by Joanne Dennehy, her motivations, and the impact she had on her victims' families, the community, and the UK as a whole.

Susanna Reid, known for her investigative journalism and role as a presenter on Good Morning Britain, takes us through the unsettling journey of Joanne Dennehy's life and heinous acts. The narrative begins by giving us a glimpse into Dennehy's early life, which appeared largely unremarkable. However, as the documentary unfolds, we witness how Dennehy transforms from an average individual into a cold-blooded murderer who would become one of only three women in the United Kingdom to be sentenced to a whole life term, the most severe punishment available to judges, comparable to a life sentence without parole in other jurisdictions.

In a methodic and detailed manner, Reid interviews various individuals connected to the case, including family members of the victims, law enforcement officials, psychologists, and criminologists. These interviews serve to construct an intricate psychological profile of Dennehy and to try and understand the factors that may have contributed to her lethal behavior.

Michelle Bowles and Martin Brunning take on roles that contribute to the storytelling through re-enactments and narrative exposition. The documentary does not shy away from the gruesome nature of the crimes: it meticulously unravels the timeline of Dennehy's killing spree, which left a trail of death and shock across Cambridgeshire in March 2013. The dramatizations provide a haunting visual supplement to the spoken accounts and help to convey the harrowing nature of the events.

Joanne Dennehy: Serial Killer is thorough in examining how and why Dennehy selected her victims, most of whom were men. The film sheds light on the pattern of violence that Dennehy exhibited, the seeming randomness of her attacks, and the lack of remorse shown for her actions. Forensic details are meticulously laid out, painting a picture of a murderer who was not driven by the traditional motives often ascribed to serial killers, such as financial gain or a history of childhood abuse.

The element that makes this documentary particularly gripping is the exploration of the psychological dimensions of Dennehy's personality. Experts discuss her behavior, such as her manipulation of accomplices, her seeming enjoyment of the power over life and death, and her now-infamous courtroom conduct where she displayed a disturbing level of nonchalance and mirth related to her crimes.

Another focus of the documentary is the media attention surrounding the case and how Dennehy's gender played a role in the perception of her acts. It forces the audience to confront the unsettling fact that women, though far less frequently involved in serial killings, are as capable of committing such atrocities as their male counterparts. The documentary does not sensationalize nor glorify Dennehy's actions; instead, it maintains a respectful and somber tone, particularly when recounting the experiences of the victims and their loved ones.

The expert interviews also delve into the broader context of the crimes, discussing the criminal justice system, the rarity of female serial killers, and the societal implications of such violent behaviors. The underlying question is a search for signs or triggers that could have prevented Dennehy's transformation into a murderer, and whether her actions could have been anticipated or stopped.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are also confronted with the human cost of Dennehy's actions—the families and communities torn apart and the scars left on the survivors. It closes by examining how those affected have sought to cope with their loss and the long-lasting shadow that such macabre events cast on society.

Joanne Dennehy: Serial Killer provides a comprehensive, if unsettling, look at the depths of human depravity and the profound ripple effects that one person's violent inclinations can have on the world around them. It's an examination not only of the crimes but also of the criminal justice system, societal responses to female-perpetrated violence, and the enduring questions about the nature of evil. This documentary is a must-see for true crime enthusiasts and those interested in the psychological underpinnings of criminal behavior.