Watch Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop

Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop is a gripping true-crime documentary from 2015 that delves into the arrest and trial of New York City Police Officer Gilberto Valle. Commonly referred to as the "Cannibal Cop" in the media, Valle was accused of planning to kidnap, kill, and eat several women, including his own wife. The movie is directed by Erin Lee Carr and features interviews with a number of experts, including law professors, criminologists, and journalists who covered the trial. Throughout the film, viewers are given a deep dive into the case, learning about Valle's personal and professional life leading up to his arrest, as well as the investigation and subsequent trial.

Central to the case was Valle's involvement in online forums dedicated to discussing violent sexual fantasies. Prosecutors argued that Valle's chats in these forums, particularly those focused on cannibalism, showed that he was not only actively planning to commit these acts, but that he was a danger to the women he had discussed targeting with other forum members.

However, Valle's defense argued that his internet chats were nothing more than fantasies, and that he had never intended to act on them. The defense also noted that Valle had no criminal record, had never acted violently towards anyone, and had even gone to the authorities himself when he suspected that one of the women he had discussed kidnapping was in real danger.

The documentary features clips from Valle's trial, as well as interviews with his family members and friends, who attest to his character and describe him as a loving father and husband. However, prosecutors argued that Valle's internet chats suggested that he had an unhealthy obsession with violence and control, and that he had the propensity to act on these fantasies.

As the trial unfolds, the documentary explores complex legal questions about the nature of thought crimes and the boundaries between fantasy and reality. Valle's case also raises questions about internet privacy and the ways in which online communities can perpetuate dangerous and violent behavior.

Throughout the film, viewers are asked to grapple with their own perceptions of guilt and innocence, as well as their beliefs about punishment and rehabilitation. The documentary ultimately leaves these questions open-ended, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about what truly happened in this case.

Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop is a thought-provoking and challenging film that delves deep into a complex and controversial case. Through interviews with legal experts and friends and family of the accused, viewers are challenged to consider the nature of thought crimes and the complexities of human behavior. Whether or not Valle was truly planning to carry out his violent fantasies remains up for debate, but the impact of his case on the criminal justice system and society at large is undeniable.

Thought Crimes: The Case of the Cannibal Cop is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.