The documentary The Axe-Wielding Hitchhiker has become the latest Netflix hype. But more and more fans are criticising the way the main character is handled.
The Netflix documentary The Axe-Wielding Hitchhiker about a young man, a viral video and a murder case has become a hit. But the bigger the hype gets, the more critical voices are raised. Many fans are extremely upset about the nature and content of the documentary.
Watch the viral video about the “axe-wielding hitchhiker” in English here:
Netflix documentary enrages fans – over exploitation of main character
The Axe-Wielding Hitchhiker revolves around Caleb McGillvary, who became an internet sensation in 2013 after an interview. Apparently he had prevented an assault on a woman with an axe. Shortly afterwards, however, it became known that he was connected to a murder in New Jersey, for which he has since been convicted (via Digital Spy ). Viewers of the documentary, however, are now furious at how McGillvary’s problems are handled in the Netflix film.
“I’m so angry. Exploitative media bosses, no consideration for mental illness and then [McGillvary’s] mother is allowed to justify her abuse,” reads one post. “The guy was obviously mentally ill and everyone wanted to exploit him quickly,” writes another fan. Another viewer declares, “He never had a chance. “
