Watch Unabomber: 20 Years of Terror

[Air date: October 18, 2018] Unabomber: 20 Years of Terror is a gripping and suspenseful documentary that explores the story of one of America's most elusive and dangerous domestic terrorists, Ted Kaczynski, who was responsible for a series of bombings that spanned over 20 years before he was finally captured in 1996. The film begins with the bombings themselves, beginning in 1978 with the first attack at Northwestern University and carrying on in a sporadic pattern for decades. Director Jesse Vile uses interviews with investigators, survivors, and family members of victims to piece together the devastating impact of Kaczynski's crimes on both individuals and society as a whole.

Through gripping footage and photographs, the documentary offers a deep dive into the investigation and search for the Unabomber by the FBI, which became one of the longest and most expensive manhunts in U.S. history, spanning several decades and three separate jurisdictions across the country.

Vile uses interviews with the investigators and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to finally end the Unabomber's reign of terror, as well as some of the survivors of Kaczynski's bombings, including those who were injured and the family members of those who were killed.

One of the most striking elements of Unabomber: 20 Years of Terror is its focus on the psychological profile of Ted Kaczynski himself. The documentary features interviews with several of Kaczynski's childhood friends and colleagues, who offer insights into his upbringing and development that may have contributed to his violent tendencies.

Interviews with mental health experts and forensic psychologists also provide a detailed analysis of Kaczynski's personality and the factors that may have led to his extreme anti-establishment beliefs, including his experience as a test subject in a controversial CIA-funded study on personality development while he was a student at Harvard.

In addition to the psychological analysis, Unabomber: 20 Years of Terror delves into the broader societal context that may have contributed to Kaczynski's violent beliefs and actions. The film explores the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s, which Kaczynski was a part of, and the increasing fear and suspicion of the federal government and technology that came to define the era.

Despite its length (the film clocks in at just over two hours), Unabomber: 20 Years of Terror never feels like it is dragging, as director Vile uses a combination of interviews, archival footage, and reenactments to keep the narrative moving forward. The use of real raw footage, combined with interviews with those who knew and worked on the case, created an immersive experience for viewers.

Overall, Unabomber: 20 Years of Terror is a haunting and thought-provoking documentary that offers a compelling look into the life and crimes of one of America's most notorious terrorists. With its focus on both the psychological and societal factors that led to Kaczynski's violent beliefs and actions, the film offers a nuanced and fascinating exploration of a dark chapter in our nation's history.