Netflix’s Unabomber sheds light on a hard truth: academia holds the potential to bring out both the light and the extreme darkness hidden in us all.
For 17 years, the man known only as the Unabomber spread terror and fear throughout the United States. In that time, he killed three people and injured twenty-three others. His method was simple: a package. Additionally, his targets were specific: individuals associated with technology, corporate leadership, and higher learning. This is a fast way to get the attention of the FBI. However, with each bombing, a question remained: why?
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Unabomber dives deep into that question. Inspired by true events, the film dissects how a compounding series of circumstances can become the foundation for a killer. We see the formative years of Ted Kaczynski (played by Jacob Tremblay), who the world will eventually know as the Unabomber. Central to historical events and the story line of the film is the role of Dr. Henry Murray (played by Russell Crowe). In fact, Murray, a well-known Harvard psychologist, ran experiments that clearly have a notable impact on a young Kaczynski.
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Murray’s experiments were far from standard. On the surface, the purpose of the study was to observe psychological endurance under interrogation. They broke down their subjects and then forced them to relive their humiliation. When that is coupled with a strained family dynamic, the results can lead to the persona of someone like the Unabomber. However, these experiments were being done for what some would call a good reason. After all, the United States Central Intelligence Agency sponsored Murray’s work. Nevertheless, it’s our moral obligation to weigh if the outcome is worth the sacrifice.
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Meanwhile, the character of Joanne Miller (played by Shailene Woodley) is another central piece to this film. Specifically, Miller is the FBI agent who almost becomes the Rosetta Stone for decoding the Unabomber. Through the film, we see the push that takes Kaczynski to the edge and meet the investigator who tracks all the steps that take him over. Ultimately, audiences can expect a deeper understanding of the man known for spreading terror, and an ending twist that will leave them on the edge of their seats.
Through masterful performances, the film asks the question: when do we create our problems in search of a solution? Unabomber is currently streaming on Netflix.
