Watch A Gray State

A Gray State is a gripping and unsettling documentary that explores the disturbing events surrounding the life and death of filmmaker David Crowley. Crowley was a rising star in the world of independent cinema, known for his provocative and ambitious projects that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry. However, in 2014, Crowley and his family were found dead in their suburban Minnesota home, prompting both shock and speculation about the causes and motives behind the tragedy.

Directed by Erik Nelson, A Gray State is a probing and compassionate investigation into Crowley's life, work, and final days. Through a mix of interviews, archival footage, and dramatic recreations, the film paints a complex portrait of a man who was both talented and troubled, ambitious and paranoid, charismatic and secretive. We hear from Crowley's family, friends, and colleagues, all of whom offer insights into his creative process, his political beliefs, and his mental state. We also see clips from his unfinished masterpiece, a dystopian epic called Gray State, which imagines a future America ravaged by government oppression and martial law.

But A Gray State is more than just a portrait of a tragic artist. It delves deep into the conspiracy theories and extremist politics that may have contributed to Crowley's mental breakdown and violent actions. We learn about his fascination with the New World Order and other shadowy organizations, as well as his growing sense of hopelessness and fear about the state of the world. We also meet several of his online followers, who continue to spread his ideas and theories even after his death.

Perhaps most chillingly, the film suggests that Crowley's worldview may have been stoked and reinforced by the alt-right media that he consumed obsessively. We see footage of him watching videos by Alex Jones, the notorious right-wing conspiracy theorist and talk show host, who spreads wild tales of government plots, globalist agendas, and imminent attacks on American sovereignty. Crowley seemed to take these ideas to heart, incorporating them into his own paranoid visions of a dystopian future. And tragically, his obsession with these ideas may have contributed to his own downfall.

A Gray State is an intense and thought-provoking film that raises many difficult questions about the power of media, the nature of mental illness, and the risks of political extremism. It is also a poignant and tragic portrait of a young artist whose inner demons ultimately consumed him. Whether you are a fan of true crime documentaries, political dramas, or experimental cinema, this film is well worth watching. It may not provide easy answers, but it will challenge you to think deeply about the dark corners of the human psyche and the dangers of conspiracy thinking.