Watch Helter Skelter

As a retelling of one of the most notorious and gruesome murder sprees in American history, Helter Skelter takes a deep dive into the gruesome events that unfolded through interviews with those who witnessed it firsthand. The series comprises six episodes, each exploring the horrifying crimes committed by members of the Manson Family.

The show features Ivor Davis, Jeff Guinn, and Dianne Lake, who offer their unique perspectives and insights into the story as they recount their experiences from back in the summer of 1969. Davis was a journalist for the London Times who covered the Manson trial, while Guinn was a biographer who specializes in American cults, and Lake was a former member of the Manson Family.

While the show delves into the murders themselves, it also seeks to reveal what motivated the group to commit these acts of violence. The series takes a detailed look at the Manson Family's origins, examines the manipulative tactics used by Charles Manson to recruit vulnerable individuals, and explores the group's bizarre beliefs and practices.

One of the key themes of Helter Skelter is the idea of brainwashing, as the series examines just how easily members of the Manson Family were swayed into committing murder. Viewers are shown how Manson was able to manipulate his followers into thinking he was some kind of messianic figure, and how he used drugs and psychological control techniques to bend them to his will.

In addition to this, the series explores the wider context of the time period in which the murders took place. Helter Skelter examines the social and political climate of the late 1960s and early 1970s, discussing how the Manson Family's violent acts resonated with the fears and anxieties of the era. The show also discusses the widespread drug use and counterculture movements of the time, with special focus given to the hippie scene in California where the Manson Family took root.

Overall, Helter Skelter is a dark, intense, and unsettling look at one of the most notorious crime sprees in history. The show combines interviews with those involved, archival footage, and reenactments to bring viewers a detailed and haunting account of the events that unfolded. Through its exploration of complex themes like brainwashing, counterculture, and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals, Helter Skelter offers a disturbing, yet fascinating study of human nature at its darkest.

For those interested in true crime or historical documentaries, Helter Skelter is a must-watch. From the shocking nature of the events to the deep insights offered by the series' various interviewees, this show offers an unforgettable and deeply chilling retelling of one of America's most disturbing moments.

Helter Skelter is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between July 26, 2020 and on Epix