top of page
Writer's pictureM.N. Miller

Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey Review: A Compelling Docuseries That Debunks Myths by Refusing to Lean into Them.

You can now stream Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey exclusively on Netflix!


There have been so many theories about JonBenét Ramsey's death that it's hard to keep them all straight. Almost every family member, even her adolescent brother, had a finger pointed at them, which was ludicrous. Multiple suspects, even from around the world, have claimed responsibility. Yet, almost thirty years later, the case has had no breakthrough. However, Netflix’s Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey debunks the myths rather than leaning into them.

Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey (2024) | Image via Netflix



Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey Review & Synopsis


Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey begins with the shocking murder details in the first episode, which is stunningly effective. John Ramsey is interviewed throughout the series, offering a compelling narrative about the tabloid media that continued to tear apart his family for years after the tragic death of his daughter. The filmmakers review the facts of the case, including the infamous moment when JonBenét went missing but was later found in the house. 


These facts were not reported, such as how the house appeared small from the outside but was huge on the inside. It also highlights how the small-town police mishandled the crime scene. However, the most shocking aspect is how so many people came out of the woodwork to get their piece of the pie, claiming to be experts and vying for their two minutes of fame on television—perhaps even a local or network deal. Some argued that videos of JonBenét Ramsey as a child pageant contestant showed her performing sexually suggestive routines. 


Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey (2024) | Image via Netflix



Netflix's Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey is a Compelling and Enlightening True Crime Docuseries


However, when you see the footage, nothing comes close to those accusations, which are practically criminal. Even a local detective, who was taken off the case, still claims to know the killer. There is a shocking video featuring a member of the police force desperately trying to present themselves as an expert, seemingly to land a book deal—it's stomach-turning. 

Additionally, the Netflix true-crime series practically allows the media to hang themselves by interviewing local and national reporters who covered the story years ago, highlighting their role in spreading the rumors that spread like wildfire. Of course, nothing is more damning than what seems to be a chamber of commerce concerned with protecting the town's property values, displayed over the batch of episodes.

Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey (2024) | Image via Netflix



Is Netflix's Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey Worth Watching?


That is why Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey is worth watching, as it shapes a view of a case where everyone tried to use the tragic death of a child for their benefit. I will leave other reviews to name the individuals involved, but Joe Berlinger does a damning job of holding them accountable. The documentary also highlights retired detective John Smit, who seems to be the only level-headed one and was dismissed, even though he appeared to be the only one who knew what he was doing.


Netflix’s Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey is a docu-series that reminds us that a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth puts on its shoes. Not to mention, the machine could spin lies well before the invention of social media. 

Summary: Netllix's Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey is a compelling, enlightening, and ultimately damning true crime docuseries! Grade: 8/10

You can stream Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey only on Netflix.




66 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page