Anyone who was conscious in the summer of 2022 could not avoid Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. The actor saw himself defamed by his ex-wife because she discussed domestic violence in an article – and won. The spectacular court case between the two former spouses became one, especially on social media incredibly toxic topic. The verdict is still controversial to this day. (More information on the Depp vs. Heard trial can be found here.)
On Netflix, the documentary series Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard now sheds light on the events. All 3 episodes have been available as a subscription to the streaming provider since August 16th. However, the series doesn’t seem to consistently manage to justify its existence.
What critics say Johnny Depp is doing wrong against Amber Heard
Director Emma Cooper’s (The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann) three-part documentary series reveals key moments in the trial and the momentum it achieved on social media. Many critics however, there is a lack of a balanced point of view and deeper insights.
The feminist website Jezebel describes the documentary as a “Spotlight video from hell“, that the promised neutrality gave the lie: appearances by Heard supporters could be counted on one hand. Above all, the series does not add any new perspective to its subject. “She shows that many viewers were biased towards Heard, but doesn’t question that attitude.“
Netflix
Among other things, Netflix compares the statements from the court case
The industry magazine Hollywood Reporter also agrees that Cooper does not do anything with the portrait of public attitudes. It merely represents what was already clear to everyone during the proceedings. The website The Daily Beast is convinced: “Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard’s nothing but a tactless victory for all Depp fans.“
Why the Netflix documentary could still be worthwhile
A few reviews are positive. According to Rolling Stone, this is how the series offers for some viewers “valuable context“. The daily mirror also comes to a merciful verdict:
Two central questions crystallize in ‘Depp v. Heard’ clearly out: To what extent was the online mood artificially distorted out of greed for profit? And, if it did, what effect did the imbalance actually have on public opinion-forming?
A cautious look could be worthwhile – if you endure the descriptions of domestic violence again.
Podcast: Why is German TV so boring?
70 times CSI per week and Germany’s next top model at prime time: German free TV is at its lowest point and still can’t be killed. We discuss why this is the case in the Moviepilot podcast:
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We explain why German television found itself in a downward spiral of cheap TV and a lack of ideas even before Netflix & Co. and why so many are still tuning in. While Andrea sets herself up as a TV hangman, TV lawyer Hendrik passionately defends television.
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