No end in sight for Maddie case

Saturday's Netflix & chill - Alissa Musumeci

How many parents take advantage of letting their children rest quietly in their bedrooms to make the most of a romantic dinner? With a magnificent view of the sea, the idea is even more appealing... and for the McCanns, what was supposed to be an evening of fun and romance was a real treat. relax has literally turned into a nightmare. Madeleine McCann, a beautiful three-year-old girl, had gone missing. That's when the case is brought back to life by Maddie's disappearance is born. Thanks to the exclusive testimonies of Maddie's parents and residents of the Praia da Luz region, the production has succeeded in accurately, meticulously and respectfully retracing the whole story from 2007 to 2019.

The story is obviously gripping and moving, but there are simply too many episodes. It’s sad to say, but four or five episodes would have been enough to tell the story. The decision to devote an entire episode—that is, an hour—to the first suspect becomes tedious as the series progresses and, unfortunately, causes the viewer to lose interest. On the bright side, each episode focuses on a specific detail, which helps viewers fully understand the context of the tragedy and shed light on some of the more subtle aspects of the investigation.

Despite all the horror that inspired the series, there is also tenderness, emotion, and love. In the days following her disappearance, everyone in the town shared photos of Madeleine, and some sent words of encouragement to her parents, who, incidentally, say they were «happy» to see such solidarity toward their family. In moments like this, even a simple, kind glance can make a huge difference.

If the McCanns hadn’t received such professional and compassionate support, they wouldn’t have been able to face this tragedy with such strength. They felt heard and understood. There was one detail about Maddie’s parents’ behavior that impressed me: in every interview, they always addressed their daughter’s kidnappers directly. They never took an aggressive stance; they didn’t even wish harm upon the criminals. They simply wanted their child returned to them…

On June 18, this investigation made headlines again. German police announced that they suspect a 42-year-old man with a long criminal record; however, they believe that Maddie has, unfortunately, passed away. Despite its many twists and turns, the case remains unsolved, and there are still unanswered questions, which is very frustrating.

Write to the author: alissa.musumeci@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © Netflix