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New true crime documentary, American Nightmare, is the #1 TV show on Netflix right now, having garnered 21.4 million views just this week. It follows the true story of Denise Huskin's unusual kidnapping that happened back in 2015, and the subsequent mishandling of her legal case.
At the time, many people – including police investigators – compared what happened to her to Gillian Flynn's fictional mystery novel, Gone Girl(which was released the year prior), and of course, the adapted film starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck.
Here's everything to know about American Nightmare, whether you've started it or have yet to press 'play.' It's thrilling and chilling, so get ready to lock in!
Is American Nightmare a real documentary?
Yes, American Nightmare is a real documentary. It's formatted as a docuseries that tells the disturbing but true story of Denise Huskin and her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, who were drugged by intruders in their own home before Denise was abducted for ransom in 2015. It features re-enactments of the original story as well as accounts from the persons involved.
What is American Nightmare about?
American Nightmare uncovers the truth behind Denise Huskin and Aaron Quinn's strange kidnapping case.
When Aaron initially went to authorities for help with Denise's disappearance, they wrongly assumed that he was at fault. When she returned home safely a few days later, the police raised even further suspicion that the whole situation was a hoax schemed by the couple (a la the plot of Gone Girl), falsely accusing them.
Both Denise and Aaron are a part of the American Nightmare TV series, offering a real behind-the-scenes perspective to come clean about what really happened.
Is American Nightmare based on Gone Girl?
No, American Nightmare is not based on Gone Girl, though at the time, legal authorities, the media, and many in the general public distastefully compared the real case to the Gone Girl book and film.
While Rosamund Pike's character in Gone Girl wittily framed her husband for her murder by lying about her kidnapping, Denise Huskin was telling the full truth about hers. The police just didn't believe her.
Where can I stream American Nightmare?
"American Nightmare" is available to stream on Netflix now. The title was added to the platform on January 17, 2024.
How many episodes of American Nightmare are there?
American Nightmare is a three-part series. The total runtime of the series is 2 hours and 15 minutes, so it won't take very long to watch.
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Images via Netflix.
