Into the Abyss

Name: Into the Abyss
Genre: Documentary
Released: November 11, 2011
Duration: 107 min
Rating: 74

2011

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 30 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 27 Ratings

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7.4

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7.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 27 Ratings

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Into The Abyss

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Movie Details & Credits

IFC Films | Release Date: November 11, 2011 | PG-13

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 achieves what he describes as “a gaze into the abyssIn 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 achieves 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

Director: Werner Herzog

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 107 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Calvin Wilson

Nov 23, 2011

Into the Abyss makes a strong case for the inhumanity of capital punishment, regardless of the crime or the criminal. Read full review

Peter Rainer

Dec 3, 2011

It gives ample play to all sides of the argument. Herzog allows us to think things through on our own. Read full review

Steven Rea

Nov 17, 2011

Into the Abyss is a true-crime drama, to be sure, but in Herzog's hands it becomes something much more: an inquiry into fundamental moral, philosophical, and religious issues, and an examination of humankind's capacity for violence - individual and institutional. Read full review

Sheri Linden

Nov 6, 2011

But above all it's a portrait of stunned grief, of the devastation families endure, whether through violence, accidents, illness or incarceration. Read full review

Michelle Orange

Nov 8, 2011

An egalitarian study of crime and punishment in a small Southern town, Into the Abyss is also an unmistakably Herzogian inquiry into the lawlessness of the human soul. Read full review

Michael Phillips

Nov 10, 2011

The film is a river of pain, weirdly funny in places, as are all of Herzog's filmic essays. Read full review

Ann Hornaday

Nov 17, 2011

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. Read full review

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User Reviews

Parera_Starr11

Apr 24, 2012

A phenomenal documentary that tells both sides of the story well. Never really favouring one. Herzog wisely never puts himself in front of the camera as to make it all about the story being told. This documentary will have you doubting if capital punishment is right.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

jimboesq

Jul 2, 2012

How you are likely to feel about this film depends on your past experience with its director, and your need for resolution. In this film, Werner Herzog, who

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Remmiz

May 4, 2012

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.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

brusselsprout

Dec 12, 2011

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 everythingAnother 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

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

j30

Apr 29, 2012

Werner Herzog's fascinating social documentary about the controversial death penalty, is both refreshingly unbiased and heartfelt throughout. Herzog asks all the right questions and leaves it to the viewer to decide.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JamesL

Nov 29, 2011

I really did not get much why out of this film than I would from a television show. . Why did they kill? Stupid? Why death in one case and life in the other? Money/jurors? Maybe it is all unexplainable. I did not think Herzog delved into any of it enough to offer a case or documentary with aI really did not get much why out of this film than I would from a television show. . Why did they kill? Stupid? Why death in one case and life in the other? Money/jurors? Maybe it is all unexplainable. I did not think Herzog delved into any of it enough to offer a case or documentary with a passion. The most interesting part was the death row groupie but even there the ball was dropped. She was obviously as nutty as the murderers but why. Again, no real insight. Don't go out of your way to see it.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

MorriBey

Mar 22, 2012

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.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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