MOVIE REVIEW
The Playboy Murders - Season 2 (Episode 5)
Falling Star
TV-14 -     

Genre: Documentary, True Crime
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 43m episode
Host: Holly Madison
Where To Watch: new episodes of THE PLAYBOY MURDERS premiere on Mondays at 10/9c on ID

RAVING REVIEW: Diving into season two of THE PLAYBOY MURDERS, we get to episode five, FALLING STAR; I was immediately struck by the poignant and respectful exploration of Dorothy Stratten's life, rise to fame, and tragedy that befell her. The series navigates her ascent from a young woman from Canada to a celebrated icon and, ultimately, to a tragic figure, with a sensitivity and depth that is rare and commendable in true crime documentaries. This is a powerful reflection on the dreams and dangers intertwined with fame and trust.

Though set against the glamorous celebrity backdrop, Dorothy Stratten's story is a universal tale of ambition, love, and the peril of reaching for the stars. From her humble beginnings to her meteoric rise and the subsequent dark turn of events, the series captures the essence of her journey with a narrative finesse that feels both intimate and epic. It's a saga that embodies the intoxicating allure of stardom and the stark realities that often accompany it. Host Holly Madison handles the story with respect for the family, friends, and everyone associated with Stratten’s life.

The interplay of Stratten's relationships with Paul Snider, Peter Bogdanovich, and Hugh Hefner himself is a critical narrative arc depicting a dichotomy of empowerment and vulnerability. These complex and tense relationships highlight the precarious balance between personal autonomy and external influence in the celebrity world. The series does a great job in its 40-ish minute runtime of presenting these dynamics without oversimplification, acknowledging the shades of gray that define human connections.

One of the most compelling aspects of THE PLAYBOY MURDERS: FALLING STAR is its capacity to humanize Stratten beyond her public persona. It sheds light on her inner struggles, aspirations, and genuine connections that define her, offering a poignant look at the person behind the bunny. This humanizing approach sets the series apart, inviting viewers to empathize with Stratten and reflect on the often unseen costs of flying too close to the sun.

This episode continues the justified critique of the industry that propelled Stratten to fame. It prompts a necessary conversation about the exploitative mechanisms within the entertainment world. I would love a bonus episode focusing on the company's peaks and valleys, where they failed to do their part, not just in Stratten’s case but in general. This would allow a deeper examination into the systemic issues and the safeguards (or the lack thereof) for individuals thrust into the limelight. While that critique is present, it leaves room for further exploration and discussion on the structures that enable such tragedies.

THE PLAYBOY MURDERS: FALLING STAR is a thought-provoking, profoundly moving account of Dorothy Stratten's life and legacy. It serves as a tribute to her and a critical examination of the world she knew she wanted but wasn’t ready for. The series continues to succeed in engaging the viewer in a meaningful dialogue about celebrity, vulnerability, and the human stories behind the headlines. It's a must-watch for anyone captivated by the allure of stardom and the complex realities that accompany it, offering a nuanced and heartfelt perspective on a story that, despite its tragic end, continues to resonate and inspire reflection on the actual cost of fame.

#PlayboyMurders

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[photo courtesy of LION TELEVISION, INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY (ID,) WARNER BROTHERS DISCOVERY]

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