Watch Who Killed Garrett Phillips?

Who Killed Garrett Phillips is a true-crime docuseries that first premiered on HBO in 2019. The series is a deep dive into the investigation of the murder of 12-year-old Garrett Phillips in Potsdam, New York, in 2011. The series follows the twists and turns of the investigation as the authorities and the community try to find out who killed the young boy and why.

At the very core of the series is the question of the chilling murder of Garrett Phillips, who was found strangled in his apartment on October 24, 2011. The two-part docuseries does an excellent job of detailing the initial investigation and eventually the trial of Oral Hillary, who was the ex-boyfriend of Garrett's mother. But, more than just detailing the crime, the series delves deeply into the community of Potsdam that was rocked by the murder, the family of the young boy, and the investigators and lawyers that follow the case.

The docuseries features a diverse cast, including Oral Hillary, Brian Phillips, Garrett's mother Tandy Cyrus, and the lead investigator in the case, Mark Murray. Each of the cast members contributes to the complexity of the story, and they all attempt to provide their explanations and accounts of what took place on that fateful day.

Hillary, who was the initial suspect in the murder, is widely seen as the protagonist of the show. He maintains his innocence throughout the series, though the prosecution contends that he was motivated by jealousy and anger towards Garrett's mother. The series, however, does a good job of presenting both sides of the story, and the evidence is presented that raises doubts and questions about Hillary's guilt.

Another important character in the series is Brian Phillips, the father of the young boy, who is left reeling after the tragedy that has befallen his family. Phillips' testimony throughout the trial is a crucial part of building the narrative of the series, and his interactions with Hillary serve as one of the most intriguing parts of the show.

Aside from the investigation of the murder itself, one of the central themes of Who Killed Garrett Phillips is the strata of privilege and racial tension in the US. Hillary, who is Black, is immediately considered a suspect by the majority-white community, which leads to him being publicly shamed and harassed by members of the community who are quick to jump to conclusions. Hillary's case later ties into larger issues of systemic racism and justice in America, which makes the show highly relevant in today's world.

In terms of production values, the series is shot in a style that is both immersive and engaging. The footage is incredibly raw and up close, which draws the audience in and helps to create a sense of intimacy with the people involved in the case. The music that is used contributes to the overall somber tone of the series, and it serves as a subtle reminder of the tragedy that has taken place.

Overall, Who Killed Garrett Phillips is a gripping and emotional docuseries that is a must-watch for true-crime aficionados. The series is more than just an exploration of one crime; it effectively explores broader issues of race and injustice, and it invites discussion and reflection on how we as a society approach cases like this. The show is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking as it engages the viewers and highlights the importance of justice and accountability in our community.

Who Killed Garrett Phillips? is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between July 24, 2019 and on HBO