'The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare' Review: A Sensitive, Sobering Look at a Case That Shocked the World
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton- July 31, 2026
True crime continues to dominate streaming platforms, podcasts and television schedules, and it's easy to understand why. These stories invite audiences to examine real investigations, question evidence and search for answers alongside detectives, all while exploring the psychology behind unimaginable crimes. At its best, the genre provides insight into both criminal investigations and the lives forever altered by tragedy. At its worst, it can drift into sensationalism. Thankfully, Netflix's The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare largely chooses the former path, delivering a thoughtful three-part documentary that prioritises the victims over the headlines.
What happened in Moscow, Idaho?
The series revisits the devastating murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, whose lives were brutally cut short in November 2022. Their deaths in the small college town of Moscow, Idaho, became one of the most talked-about criminal investigations in recent American history.
Director Skye Borgman carefully reconstructs the events leading up to that tragic night, the frantic investigation that followed, and the eventual arrest of the suspect. Even for viewers familiar with the case, the documentary presents the material with enough clarity and emotional weight to remain compelling.
Through interviews with family members, friends and those closest to the victims, Madison, Kaylee, Ethan and Xana are remembered as vibrant young people with ambitions, humour and close-knit relationships. We get to see photos and vidoes of the four lively, loving young adults having fun and living their best life. Those personal moments become the emotional backbone of the series, making the investigation feel far more significant than simply hunting down and identifying a suspect.
How does the investigation unfold?
The documentary excels when examining the painstaking police work that unfolded over several weeks. Using police footage, interviews and carefully assembled timelines, it illustrates the immense pressure investigators faced while the country watched every development unfold online. Social media speculation, internet detectives and constant media attention become part of the story themselves, demonstrating both the benefits and dangers of public fascination with ongoing criminal cases. It also delves into the devastating effects when you are accused of murder, by online trolls and influencers online.
We see how the investigation used the FBI’s vehicle experts to view CCTV footage to piece together what type of car it was around the house where the four victims were living and killed. We get a brief look into the use of genealogy and its use in cases.
Whilst the series is investigating it always goes back to the families and friends, asking difficult questions about grief, trauma and healing rather than simply inviting audiences to marvel at shocking evidence.
What happened to the killer?
We do get to see some courtroom drama; mostly victim impact statements which are emotive and heart wrenching. Although, one of the sisters of one of the victims does give a statement that had me punching the air - it’s strong and unforgiving. The killer, a student, was handed four life sentences, one for each student he killed, plus 10 years for burglary. The judge also ordered he pay the family of each victim $55,000 (£40,500).
Whilst this may feel like justice, many of the families wanted the death penalty, and the killer was able to negotiate a deal so he didn’t have to go to trail and face the death penalty. We never learn what his motive was, and I agree with one of the parents, where when he negotiated this deal, he should have been forced to say why he chose to end the lives of four people so violently and suddenly.
Is this another strong addition to Netflix's true crime catalogue?
Absolutely. Netflix has become one of the leading homes for true crime documentaries, but what separates The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare from many others is its humanity. It never forgets that four families lost children/siblings/cousins whose lives were just getting started.
The direction is measured, the interviews are affecting, and the storytelling is consistently engaging across all three episodes. Rather than chasing shock value, it explores how an entire community attempted to comprehend an act of violence that seemed impossible to understand. By the end, you’ll either be left with a feeling of justice or the feeling that there’s still a missing piece. I felt sadness for the lives interrupted and admiration for the resilience shown by those left behind. That emotional honesty gives the documentary a lasting impact.
'The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare' released on Netflix on July 29, 2026.
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