The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst

“The Jinx” is like if “Serial” had a love child with “Capturing the Friedmans.”

And that’s no surprise since Andrew Jarecki directed both docs.

Jarecki gets unprecedented access to Durst himself, who comes across as both creepy and strangely compelling.

The series takes more twists and turns than a season of “True Detective,” leading up to a bombshell ending (in Part 1) that will leave your jaw on the floor.

If you’re a fan of true crime or just love a good “holy shit” moment, “The Jinx” is appointment viewing.

The series will surely be in the top 3 of Best True Crime Docs when I write that article.

Trailer for “The Jinx” (Season 1)

The release date for “The Jinx” TV series Part 1 on HBO was February 8 to March 15, 2015

“The Jinx” Part 2 Trailer

The release date for “The Jinx” Series Part 2 is April 21, 2024 on HBO Max.

Watch “The Jinx”

You can stream The Jinx docuseries on:

You can buy The Jinx episodes for around $2 per episode or $10 per season on:

HBO Max will likely be the only place to watch season 2 of The Jinx for awhile until they share it with other streamers.

Check here for the latest streaming options for The Jinx: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/the-jinx-the-life-and-deaths-of-robert-durst

Ratings:

  • My Rating: 98/100
  • IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 96/100 (Users); 95/100 (Critics)

Review of “The Jinx”

I’ve broken out my review into 2 parts (one for the first release of “The Jinx” in 2015 and the second for the one in 2024).

“The Jinx” Part 1 (release date Feburary 8 to March 15, 2015)

“The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst” starts with “Fresh Blood”, a haunting tune by the Eels.

It’s the perfect vibe for this bonkers of a 6-part docuseries (38 to 51 minutes each).

From the get-go, Episode 1 throws us into a whirlwind.

Robert Durst, this real estate tycoon, gets caught for a dismemberment murder in Galveston, Texas. Yeah, you heard that right. The story’s just starting, and it’s already off the charts.

In Episode 2, the friends of Durst’s missing wife are out there, making noise, fighting for her.

It hits me how people are rallying, keeping her memory alive — powerful stuff.

And when Durst gets arrested for murdering Morris Black (2001), he’s asked if he has the $300,000 needed to post bail.

“Well, not on me.”

I mean, that’s peak Durst.

He just posts bail like it’s nothing.

Episode 3 takes a dark turn.

Durst is under the lens for killing his buddy, Susan Berman.

With her ties to the mob and her stories, you realize this saga’s layers just keep unfolding.

In Episode 4, Durst’s lawyers work some kind of magic.

He admits to dismemberment but walks on the murder charge.

Come on!

In Episode 5, you see Durst free, wandering around New York City.

It’s especially weird to see him near his family’s empire.

It’s like watching a ghost flit through his past…but you can’t look away.

The “Hot Mic” Moment (the confession)

But it’s Episode 6 that seals the deal.

Durst, in another interview, forgets the mic’s still hot, and there it is – the confession that drops everyone’s jaw.

The Jinx confession has got to be a top 10 moment of any documentary.

Just as we’re all sitting there, slack-jawed, in the dim glow of our screens, thinking, “No way did Robert Durst just say that,” “The Jinx” decides it’s not done with us yet.

Nope, not by a long shot.

“The Jinx” Part 2 (Release Date: April 21, 2024)

Here we were, thinking we’d reached the end of the crazy train, only to find out that…

Folks, we’re getting a sequel!

That’s right, just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, Andrew Jarecki hits us with a “We’re not finished here.”

What can Part 2 offer?

Well, it’s 8 years later. And Jarecki and the doc crew have been busy.

They promise we’re gonna get prison calls, hidden materials, and new witnesses.

It’s gonna be another 6 episodes (just like Part 1).

Mark your calendars for April 21, 2024.

If the first part was any indication, “The Jinx – Part 2” is going to be another wild ride through the depths of one of the most intriguing true crime stories of our time.

The big question I’ve got:

How can Jarecki match Durst’s confession moment?

Thanks for reading!

Rob Kelly

Chief Maniac, Daily Doc