17 January 2024 , 14:59
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Netflix recently dropped a new true-crime docuseries titled American Nightmare which has left viewers feeling "incredibly disturbed".
The streaming platform added the series on January 17. American Nightmare is a three-part series based on a case dubbed "the real life Gone Girl" and is the true story of Denise Huskins' abduction. Denise was kidnapped from her home, leading to suspicions falling on her boyfriend, Aaron.
However, when Denise returned, the police and media refused to believe they were victims of a crime. Instead, they accused Aaron and Denise of tricking the public and wasting resources. Fans were quick to watch the series and subsequently rushed to social media to discuss the "disturbing" story.
One user said: "I heard the #americannightmare story on @MrBallen not too long ago. But seeing and hearing it from Denise and Aaron. It's so shocking and bizarre. What this man did to Denise is just disgusting." Mr Ballen is a YouTuber best known for his victim-oriented true crime stories and mysteries.
The police and media refused to believe the couple were victims of a crime (Netflix)"American Nightmare on Netflix was a good, yet disturbing, documentary. And it is only 3 episodes so not too long. Definitely recommend," another said while one user posted: "#AmericanNightmare on @netflix I was NOT expecting that!! Absolutely heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time."
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One viewer added: "#AmericanNightmare on #Netflix what a wild story, eloquently told and brilliant production. The fact that no law enforcement officials were disciplined for shockingly bad investigative work is a disgrace. They'll protect themselves time & time again and throw women to the wolves."
In 2015, an intruder broke into the California home of Denise and Aaron. The intruder drugged them and abducted her to hold her for ransom. Aaron contacted the police but wasn't believed by the authorities. They soon suspected him of being the person behind her disappearance.
Denise was kidnapped from her home, leading to suspicions falling on her boyfriend, Aaron (San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
The series was dubbed 'disturbing' by fans (Handout)The series sees Aaron fall under a wave of relief when an audio clip of Denise surfaced the day after her disappearance, proving she was still alive. But when Denise returned to her childhood home two days after being kidnapped, Aaron's relief was mixed with upset over how the media portrayed Denise and their refusal to believe her kidnapping story.
Despite clear evidence of Denise's traumatic experience, both she and Aaron were labelled as hoaxers by the police. They were accused of wasting government time and resources, adding to their distress. When the culprit, Matthew Muller, was finally caught for kidnapping and assaulting Denise, Aaron stood firmly by her side.
The case was compared to the best-selling novel Gone Girl which was adapted into a hit film starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. The move saw author Amy Dunne (played by Rosamund) suddenly vanishing, resulting in the police suspecting her husband Nick (played by Ben) was behind it.
American Nightmare is available to stream on Netflix.