Netflix is often touted as the go-to place for true crime and real-life documentaries, but that doesn’t mean other streaming services don’t also offer must-watch moves in the genre.
For example, Aftershock just arrived on Hulu and the feature-length documentary is getting rave reviews. In fact, based on its critical reception, it makes a strong case for a spot in our roundup of the best films to be screened this week.
What is Aftershock?
Aftershock tells the true stories of two grieving fathers who mobilize activists, birth workers and doctors in the wake of losing their partner to preventable complications during childbirth.
The two men, and their grieving families, aim to address one of the most pressing problems in American society today: America’s maternal health crisis. The documentary also examines common postpartum issues and broader problems in the American medical system as a whole.
The issue of systemic racism, and how it affects the treatment black patients receive, is also put at the center of this documentary with some uncomfortable real-life gags. The film is directed by Paula Eiselt and Tonya Lewis Lee and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2022.
What are critics saying about Aftershock?
Aftershock was extremely well received by critics, the documentary currently has a 100% rating Rotten tomatoes (opens in new tab) with several outlets praising the film and its important message.
Lisa Kennedy’s Variety (opens in new tab) seriously impressed with Aftershock: “Directors Tonya Lewis Lee and Paula Eiselt deliver a vital and moving documentary that shows the lives behind shameful statistics.”
His Nick Allen RogerEbert.com (opens in new tab) praised the doctor calling it “an impressive and disturbing documentary”, while The Hollywood Reporter (opens in new tab)Lovia Gyarkye was similarly impressed, saying that Aftershock is “a harrowing portrait of black maternal mortality in the United States.”
Should you be streaming Aftershock?
The short answer is absolutely should. Between the documentary’s important subject matter and its glowing reviews, there’s no reason to miss it. If you’re a Hulu subscriber, then you should add Aftershock to your watch list ASAP.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a new true crime doctor to watch, then Netflix has you covered. My Daughter’s Killer is a new film that focuses on a father’s search for justice against the man who murdered his daughter. It’s a pretty harrowing watch, and it just made Netflix’s 10 most watched list earlier this week.
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