Into the Abyss (2011)

Exploring the realities of the death penalty, director Werner Herzog presents the story of Michael James Perry, a young man awaiting execution for a series of heinous crimes there is little doubt he committed. Herzog interviews Perry himself, family members, acquaintances, law enforcement officers, and family members of his victims to provide a thorough picture of the crimes but also context to what led to them and the after effects that ripple from them. I’m already against the death penalty as a general rule, but this further challenges people’s beliefs on the matter. Looking at another human being, even one who has committed ruthless, senseless acts, as he anticipates his own demise in a few short days puts a new perspective on the situation.