Into the Abyss
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Metascore
74 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

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  • Summary: In his fascinating exploration of a triple homicide case in Conroe, Texas, master filmmaker Werner Herzog probes the human psyche to explore why people kill—and why a state kills. In intimate conversations with those involved, including 28-year-old death row inmate Michael Perry, Herzog achihieves what he describes as “a gaze into the abyss of the human soul.” Herzog’s inquiries also extend to the families of the victims and perpetrators as well as a state executioner and pastor who’ve been with death row prisoners as they’ve taken their final breaths. As he’s so often done before, Herzog’s investigation unveils layers of humanity, making an enlightening trip out of ominous territory. (IFC Films)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Calvin Wilson
    Nov 23, 2011
    100
    Into the Abyss makes a strong case for the inhumanity of capital punishment, regardless of the crime or the criminal.
  2. Total Film
    Reviewed by: Kevin Harley
    Mar 19, 2012
    80
    Herzog's tapestry testifies to life's light from death's darkness. Its honest humanity and sideways-on character bare his illuminating imprint.
  3. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Peter Bradshaw
    Mar 29, 2012
    60
    It is a sombre, thoughtful, restrained and often powerful piece of work.
  4. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Ann Hornaday
    Nov 17, 2011
    25
    A shapeless collection of encounters with Texas prison inmates and their victims, what could have been a well-aimed examination of the most troubling contradictions of capital punishment instead becomes a maudlin, unrestrained wallow.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Remmiz
    9
    Excellent documentary from Herzog. But it is important to keep in mind that this isn't The Thin Blue Line, and instead of turning this documentary into some kind of television crime drama, Herzog simply explores the crime, and the minds of those involved and affected by it. Excellent documentary.… Expand
  2. brusselsprout
    8
    Another great documentary from Herzog. To those who are disenchanted with it's spiraling out and choice to not answer questions, in response to this critique, this is where it's important to remember the title. This film takes you into the abyss where answers do not exist and everything becomes complicated and unclear. Would expect nothing less from Herzog.… Expand
  3. jdicksteihn
    5
    Interesting and sad, but not very thorough. Is it just me, or does Herzog never challenge either of the convicted killers on their versions of the story, which is that they didn't kill these people? It feels like he avoided the issue and just let them tell their story, and let everyone else tell their story, and left it for us to figure out. But the big payoff that never occurs is that these two convicted murderers are never forced to face the ugly thing they did. If Herzog is taking the stance that they were innocent, then he should have pushed harder against the authorities. But he doesn't do that either. The effect is just a huge letdown of a movie, where we hear account after account of a needlessly brutal crime occurring, and being bragged about. And then we see the alleged perpetrators claim they didn't do it. The real question of this movie: 'why would they commit these terrible acts to steal a car?' - is never even posed to either of the two people convicted. This seems to me to be too laid back an approach for a story that begs for larger answers.… Collapse
  4. MorriBey
    2
    When compared to the First 48 series this documentary is very weak. The storyline is weak and meandering. The film appears outdated as this genre has much better offerings on TV. Can't see why he made this.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

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