Disney+ 'twisted' new true crime series branded 'heartbreaking' by fans certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes
Disney+ latest true crime series follows one of the most sensationalised trials of the 21st century -the wrongful conviction of Amanda Knox telling the story in a new light
Disney+ has released their latest true crime series which focuses on one of the most controversial crimes of the 21st century. Titled The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, the eight-part limited series revisits the wrongful conviction that shocked the world and the 15-year battle that followed.
The series takes viewers on a journey which delves into the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher in Perugia, Italy, and the way Amanda Knox, an American exchange student, became the centre of a global media frenzy. Unlike other documentaries on the case, the Disney+ series presents the story in a dramatised format with actors.
The series, which is produced by the real Amanda Knox, follows her movements from the moment she arrived in Perugia as a 20-year-old exchange student to her wrongful imprisonment just weeks later, where she was accused of murdering flatmate Meredith.
Amanda, along with her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, were accused of the murder and sentenced to prison in Italy, where they spent four years behind bars before their convictions were overturned in a subsequent trial.
Through the dramatic scenes, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox explores the intense police investigation, forensic evidence, high-profile trials and public involvement which defined the case.
Whilst standing on trial Amanda, who maintained her innocence, was portrayed as a sexualised character, with the tabloids naming her "Foxy Knoxy" and branding her a "man-eating murderer".
The official synopsis reads: "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox follows the eponymous American college student, who arrives in Italy for her study abroad only to be wrongfully imprisoned for murder weeks later. The series traces Amanda’s relentless fight to prove her innocence and reclaim her freedom and examines why authorities and the world stood so firmly in judgment."
Leading the cast is Grace Van Patten, known for her role in Tell Me Lies, who takes on the role of Amanda while Italian actor Giuseppe De Domenico portrays Raffaele.
The series aired on Disney+ this week, debuting with a two-episode premiere and new episodes will drop every Wednesday as Amanda's story is told in a new light.
Since the debut, fans have flocked social media with their opinion on the series so far. Taking to X, formally known as Twitter, one viewer expressed: "Amanda was done dirty by an overzealous Italian justice system. So sad. They spread so much libel and hearsay about her sex life in the news. Can't wait for the rest."
While another stated: "Love this show so far, its really gritty and interesting. Can't wait to see all the many ways that sexist idiot officer Giuliano Mignini messed up this case."
More true crime news
The show has received a 74 per cent 'certified fresh' rating on the site's critic led Tomatometer with many praising the performance of Van Patten as Knox, but has divided those who provided reviews.
One reviewer said: "In terms of prurient thrills, nothing in The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox can compete with those early portrayals of her as a sex-crazed sadist. But in its heartbreaking, infuriating, unsparing account of the truth, it has a hold all its own."
One added: "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox has its flaws... Fortunately, the main parts are held together by an unreservedly brilliant performance by Grace Van Patten as Knox, in English and Italian."
A third said: "At a time when it is more important than ever to remember the actual victims of the crime rather than any perpetrators — accused or otherwise — the series is more committed to Amanda's plight than Meredith's."
Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.