Netflix has scored another hit in the true-crime genre as Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer claims the top spot on the streaming platform’s charts. The three-part docuseries, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Liz Garbus, examines the notorious Gilgo Beach murders that remained unsolved for over a decade.
The investigation began in 2010 following the disappearance of 24-year-old Shannan Gilbert, whose 911 call prompted a search that uncovered multiple sets of human remains along Ocean Parkway in Suffolk County. Most victims were young women involved in sex work, with the case languishing for years due to institutional failures and victim bias.
A major breakthrough came in 2023 when authorities arrested Rex Heuermann, a New York architect who now faces multiple murder charges.
Garbus previously explored this case in her 2020 drama Lost Girls. Her return to the material takes a documentary approach that prioritizes victims’ stories over sensationalizing the alleged perpetrator.
“So much true crime out there is focused on the perpetrator,” Garbus told Variety, “and so I think there is some weariness about being involved in something that might be about him or his wife, or participating in a show that sensationalizes these crimes. We had to have a lot of conversations, and trust does get built.”
Critics have praised the docuseries for its thoughtful approach. Vulture highlighted Garbus’ restraint in avoiding sensationalism while offering comprehensive coverage of the investigation. The Guardian noted the series’ examination of law enforcement failures that allowed the case to remain unsolved for so long.
The docuseries also addresses problematic media coverage that initially referred to victims merely as “prostitutes” rather than women.
Featuring interviews with journalists, law enforcement officials, and victims’ families, Gone Girls provides a multifaceted look at the case’s complexities and human impact.
The immediate success of Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer demonstrates audience demand for true-crime content that offers depth and accountability rather than just sensationalism.
