This true crime series should be at the top of your watchlist

It may take some searching among all the sweet Christmas movies, but those who bring out their inner detective will find Netflix's latest true crime title: ‘900 days without Anabel’. This three-part docuseries is about the longest kidnapping case Spain has ever known. A bizarre story full of frustrations and despair that are also palpable for the viewer.

That fateful April 12

22-year-old Anabel Segura goes for a run on April 12, 1993, in the La Moraleja neighborhood. A wealthy area in Madrid where she lived with her parents and sister. While jogging, Anabel is taken by two men. Initially, the terrorist group ETA is suspected, known for kidnappings, but it soon becomes clear that the perpetrators are ‘ordinary criminals’ after money. The kidnappers know Anabel's father and are aware that he is a successful businessman. They contact the family and demand about 2 million euros. When the money is not picked up twice and contact with the perpetrators ceases, the police, Anabel's family, and the rest of Spain are left in an uncertainty that will ultimately last 900 days.

The tapes

All conversations between the kidnappers and the family's spokesperson are recorded, and the tapes are made public for the first time in the documentary; along with testimonies from the agents. The voices of the perpetrators were the most important clue in the investigation; with the phone calls being the only direct link to the perpetrators and thus to Anabel. When that connection is lost, the police do everything they can to provoke a response from the perpetrators through the media again. But when that also fails, the only option seems to be to make the voices public. Among the thousands of calls that come in, the police find that one golden tip: the perpetrators are recognized. 2.5 years after the kidnapping, it finally becomes clear where Anabel is and what exactly happened to her.

Without giving too much detail: I certainly did not see the final revelation coming. Director Mónica Palomero wanted to tell the story ‘more from the inside’. She focuses not only on the police investigation but also on the blackmail the family faced. And that makes an impression. A must-see for all true crime enthusiasts. ‘900 days without Anabel’ is now available on Netflix.

Source: Trailers in English