Watch Beware the Slenderman

Beware the Slenderman is a documentary film that delves into the tragic and disturbing case of two 12-year-old girls from Wisconsin who attempted to kill their classmate in order to appease a fictional internet villain named Slenderman. Directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky, the film combines news footage, interviews with experts, court hearings, and even eerie animations to recount the events leading up to and following the horrific act.

The film takes its viewers back to May 2014 when Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier lured their friend Payton Leutner into a wooded area and stabbed her 19 times. The girls claimed that they were trying to earn the favor of Slenderman, a pale-faced, tentacled creature who they believed lived in the woods and could only be appeased by killing someone. Payton survived the attack and the two girls were charged with attempted murder.

Through interviews with the girls' family members, friends, and psychiatrists, the film tries to understand how two seemingly normal and intelligent girls could become so obsessed with a supernatural figure that they were willing to commit such a heinous crime. It becomes clear that both Morgan and Anissa had troubled home lives, with Morgan in particular struggling with mental illness from a young age. They also spent countless hours online, exploring websites and forums dedicated to Slenderman and other creepy internet legends.

The documentary also highlights the role of the internet in facilitating the girls' obsession with Slenderman. They were able to access an endless stream of fan fiction, artwork, and videos featuring the character, often blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Despite their young age, they were able to navigate these virtual spaces and even communicate with other fans of Slenderman.

The film also explores the legal proceedings surrounding the case, which quickly gained national attention. The girls were tried as adults and faced up to 65 years in prison if convicted. The film shows how their defense team tried to argue that they were not responsible for their actions due to mental illness and their belief in a fictional character, but ultimately, the girls entered guilty pleas and were sentenced to decades in a juvenile detention center.

While the documentary is certainly chilling and at times difficult to watch, it ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the power of the internet and the dangers of unchecked obsession. It highlights the need for parents and caregivers to monitor their children's online activities, and for mental health resources to be more easily accessible to those who need them. Beware the Slenderman is a gripping and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about youth culture, mental health, and the consequences of a hyperconnected world.

In conclusion, Beware the Slenderman is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in true crime, internet culture, or the psychology of obsession. It is a chilling reminder of the dangers of online spaces and the importance of mental health resources for young people. The film is an effective and emotional retelling of a shocking event, and a powerful call to action for society to recognize and address the underlying issues that led to it.

Beware the Slenderman is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.