The Investigation of Lucy Letby Review: Netflix Documentary Revisits Chilling Case Without Easy Answers

The Investigation of Lucy Letby arrives on Netflix with a restrained approach that sets it apart from conventional true-crime storytelling. Rather than relying on sensational twists or dramatic recreations, the documentary reconstructs the case of neonatal nurse Lucy Letby through careful detail, clinical pacing and a narrative that grows more unsettling with time.

Running for just over 90 minutes, the film revisits one of the most disturbing criminal cases in modern British history. Instead of promising shocking revelations, it focuses on the slow development of suspicion, the assembly of evidence and the institutional processes that ultimately led to Letby’s conviction. This measured style gives the documentary an unsettling calm, allowing viewers to absorb the gravity of events without overt emotional manipulation.

A Process-Driven Narrative Instead of True-Crime Spectacle

The documentary leans heavily into procedural storytelling. Police interviews, medical records, neonatal ward shift patterns and courtroom discussions form the backbone of the narrative. Rather than presenting a single dramatic moment, the film builds tension through repetition and patterns that gradually become difficult to ignore.

Unseen footage from Letby’s arrest adds another layer of discomfort. The scenes, captured inside her family home, are presented without dramatic commentary, forcing audiences to confront the reality of the situation directly. While this approach enhances authenticity, it also raises ethical questions about the line between documentation and intrusion — a tension the documentary intentionally leaves unresolved.

Balance Between Prosecution and Defence Perspectives

For much of its runtime, the documentary outlines the prosecution’s case, including handwritten notes interpreted as admissions of guilt and the correlation between Letby’s presence on shifts and unexplained medical incidents. The narrative initially feels structured and almost clinical in its certainty.

Midway through, however, the film introduces alternative viewpoints. Defence arguments question the absence of direct physical evidence, while expert voices challenge whether medical conclusions can be interpreted definitively. The documentary does not seek to overturn the verdict but instead highlights the complexities behind legal certainty, emphasising how interpretation and institutional trust shape outcomes.

This balanced approach creates an unsettling viewing experience. Rather than offering clear emotional direction, the film invites viewers to grapple with ambiguity — a choice that may frustrate audiences expecting definitive answers.

Institutional Failure Takes Centre Stage

One of the documentary’s strongest elements is its shift in focus from the individual to the wider system. Hospital management decisions, delayed responses to warning signs and organisational reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths become central themes. By widening the lens beyond a single figure, the film reframes the story as one of systemic shortcomings as much as individual responsibility.

However, certain stylistic choices occasionally disrupt the otherwise restrained tone. Digitally altered anonymous interviews introduce a layer of artificiality that contrasts with the documentary’s grounded approach, slightly weakening its emotional impact.

A True-Crime Story That Avoids Closure

Unlike many entries in the genre, The Investigation of Lucy Letby refuses to deliver catharsis. Even as the documentary concludes, lingering doubts and unresolved questions remain — not enough to challenge the legal outcome, but sufficient to unsettle any sense of finality.

This deliberate absence of closure becomes the film’s defining feature. By resisting dramatic conclusions, the documentary forces audiences to reflect not only on the case itself but also on society’s fascination with revisiting traumatic stories through true-crime media.

Ultimately, the film stands out as a thoughtful and unsettling addition to the genre. Its quiet pacing and focus on complexity may divide viewers, but the lingering discomfort it leaves behind ensures the story stays with audiences long after the credits roll.