Last Stop Larrimah is a unique true crime documentary that explores a mysterious case in the Australian Outback. A man disappears in a tiny community of eleven people. The investigation into his strange disappearance exposes a history of grudges and infighting is. Everyone begins pointing fingers at each other as they all become suspects.
As popular as true crime has become, few would argue that the genre has become stale. Morbid curiosity more than fresh ideas has made sure more documentaries are released. Last Stop Larrimah brings something new to the genre while still sticking to its true crime roots.
The prologue establishes that the characters and setting will have more importance. True crime stories always have their sinister and over the top elements, but as Last Stop Larrimah introduces Cookie the Candy Thief and the other residents of the tiny town, there is an almost lighthearted tone. This is uncommon in similar films for obvious reasons, and it is certainly a thin line to walk.
Director Thomas Tancred does an admirable job with Last Stop Larrimah adroitly handling a sensitive case while also adding touches of humor. It is not until the last moments when things feel out of sync. A stunning revelation makes it impossible to present the scene in any way but the most serious one possible, but it is still jarring to see it fall into lockstep with so many others.
Even though the final minutes feel out of place, they do an excellent job of underscoring a running theme of the documentary. Despite all the arguments and threats, the group were a family. The incident affected them all. By the end of Last Stop Larrimah, people have died and have left or are trying to leave the place they once happily called home.
The colorful cast and characters do not take away from the seriousness of the case. Each resident seems to have a reason to be involved and they are all ready to share their theories about the guilt of their neighbors. There are plenty of twists and viewers will be guessing until the very end of what really happened. Last Stop Larrimah makes a strong case for best true crime documentary of the year.
Last Stop Larrimah premieres on HBO and Max October 8
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