Netflix's latest true-crime documentary is one of its most shocking yet
You won't want to miss this twisted true-life tale.
![Netflix's latest true-crime documentary is one of its most shocking yet](https://www.shortlist.com/media/imager/202301/58297-posts.article_md.jpg)
When it comes to true-life crime documentaries, Netflix truly shines but it's latest may well be the most shocking yet.
The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker is a title that sounds like a horror movie, but for many it will be familiar. That's because, Kai Lawrence, the 'hatchet wielding hitchhiker' in question was something of a viral sensation back in 2013, when footage of him appeared online defending a woman being attacked.
His online fame booked him a slot on The Jimmy Kimmel Show and there was talk of a reality show made of him.
As this Netflix documentary shows, however, fame turns to infamy when he is wanted for murder.
Here's the official Netflix synopsis for the show: “This shocking documentary chronicles a happy-go-lucky nomad’s ascent to viral stardom and the steep downward spiral that resulted in his imprisonment.”
![Netflix's latest true crime documentary is one of its most shocking yet](https://www.shortlist.com/media/images/2023/01/hatchet-hitchhiker-copy-1673861607-UpMz-column-width-inline.jpg)
It's a jaw-dropping documentary which currently has a full 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Ready Steady Cut sums it up best in its review, noting: "The synopsis does not do this crazy documentary justice. It’s a wild but ultimately sad story."
As you can see from the trailer, it's something of a wild watch.
While Flix Patrol currently has the documentary in its top 5 most watched on Netflix, it is riding up the charts in various countries. In the UK, for instance, the doc has been the most-watched film since its release.
![Netflix's latest true crime documentary is one of its most shocking yet](https://www.shortlist.com/media/images/2023/01/netflix-uk-1673862629-QaI7-column-width-inline.jpg)
The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker joins a long list of Netflix documentaries that have true crime as a focus.
Some of the most riveting include:
- Amanda Knox
- Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
- The Keepers
- The Staircase
- The Tinder Swindler
- For more amazing true-life tales on Netflix, head to our best Netflix documentaries guide.
Latest
Related Reviews and Shortlists
![The 20 best disaster movies of all time](https://www.shortlist.com/media/imager/202407/63364-posts.article_md.jpg)
The 20 best disaster movies of all time
![Star-studded F1 movie gets its first major trailer](https://www.shortlist.com/media/imager/202407/63304-posts.article_md.jpg)