X
  • 2015
  • Unrated
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 40 m
  • 2015
  • Unrated
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 40 m

Summary Hundreds of deaths. Zero oversight. In the early 2000s, brothers Tom and Rick Smith revolutionized policing by marketing the Taser to law enforcement agencies. This supposedly safe alternative to handguns was supposed to curb the use of deadly force—so why have over 500 people died from Taser-related injuries since? At a time when questi...

Directed By: Nick Berardini

Written By: Nick Berardini

  • 2015
  • Unrated
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 40 m
  • 2015
  • Unrated
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 40 m

Killing Them Safely

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 8 Critic Reviews
70
User Score Mixed or Average Based on 12 User Ratings
6.0
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Where to Watch

Summary Hundreds of deaths. Zero oversight. In the early 2000s, brothers Tom and Rick Smith revolutionized policing by marketing the Taser to law enforcement agencies. This supposedly safe alternative to handguns was supposed to curb the use of deadly force—so why have over 500 people died from Taser-related injuries since? At a time when questi...

Directed By: Nick Berardini

Written By: Nick Berardini

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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View All Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 8 Critic Reviews
70
88% Positive
7 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
13% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 8 Critic Reviews
70
88% Positive
7 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
13% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
83
Nov 28, 2015
Berardini’s film follows a narrative trajectory impressive in any documentary, let alone one by a rookie filmmaker. The debut effort is commendable, both for its handling of a complex issue, as well as for its engagement factor.
FULL REVIEW
80
Nov 30, 2015
The documentary could hardly be more timely or essential.
By David Edelstein FULL REVIEW
80
Nov 24, 2015
Footage of the now-wealthy Smiths being deposed is damning, the brothers' legal jiujitsu is appalling, and the stories of deaths are heartbreaking.
By Daphne Howland FULL REVIEW
70
Dec 3, 2015
With the intensified focus on use of force in police departments, the unsettling documentary Killing Them Safely couldn't be timelier.
By Robert Abele FULL REVIEW
70
Nov 28, 2015
If Berardini isn't very generous to the company's execs, shortchanging what is likely a genuine belief that they're doing good while making a ton of money, he does spend time with officers who, for a time, embraced the Taser eagerly.
By John DeFore FULL REVIEW
70
Nov 28, 2015
Mr. Berardini’s packed documentary makes its case early and often, perhaps too often, but it’s more chilling than your average issue film.
By Nicolas Rapold FULL REVIEW
20
Nov 25, 2015
This feels like a documentary about legal cases against TASER, not a documentary on the Taser.
FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 12 User Ratings
6.0
67% Positive
8 Ratings
8% Mixed
1 Rating
25% Negative
3 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 12 User Ratings
6.0
67% Positive
8 Ratings
8% Mixed
1 Rating
25% Negative
3 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Zipper Bros Films, Boxcar Films
Release Date Nov 27, 2015
Duration 1 h 40 m
Rating Unrated
Genres
Tagline Every solution has a problem.
Website https://www.facebook.com/killingthemsafely
View All Details

Awards

Tribeca Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
Midwest Independent Film Festival
• 1 Nomination

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