The Zodiac Killer remains one of America’s most haunting mysteries, a specter that has captivated our collective imagination for decades. But what if the story we’re all chasing isn’t the one we think it is? British filmmaker, artist, and critic Charlie Shackleton takes this enigma head-on in his latest work, Zodiac Killer Project. This isn’t just another true crime documentary—it’s a meta-exploration of the genre itself, a witty and introspective journey into the heart of our obsession with serial killers and the narratives we weave around them.
Shackleton’s project began as a straightforward attempt to create a documentary about the Zodiac Killer, the elusive murderer who terrorized the Bay Area in the 1970s. Armed with interviews, evocative B-roll footage of California’s ghostly freeways, and a highway patrolman’s determined quest to unmask the killer, Shackleton was poised to deliver a gripping true crime tale. But here’s where it gets controversial: the project fell apart, leaving him with fragments of an unfinished film and a unique opportunity to deconstruct the very genre he was trying to contribute to.
What emerges is a satirical, often hilarious deep dive into the mechanics of true crime storytelling. Shackleton’s droll voiceover guides us through what his documentary could have been, while simultaneously critiquing the tropes and shortcuts that dominate the genre today. Produced by Loop and Field of Vision, Zodiac Killer Project is a masterclass in turning creative failure into a bold statement about modern storytelling.
And this is the part most people miss: Shackleton’s film isn’t just about the Zodiac Killer—it’s about the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of the unspeakable. As IndieWire’s David Ehrlich noted in his Sundance review, Shackleton ‘leverages his misfortune into an impish and hyper-resourceful attack on the oppressive strictures of modern storytelling.’ The result? A film that’s arguably more rewarding than the one he originally set out to make.
After captivating audiences at festivals worldwide, Zodiac Killer Project finally hits theaters this November, starting in New York on November 21st, with a wider release to follow. Music Box Films brings us this thought-provoking piece, and IndieWire offers an exclusive look at the trailer below.
But here’s the real question: Does our fascination with true crime deepen our understanding of humanity, or does it merely exploit tragedy for entertainment? Shackleton’s film doesn’t provide easy answers, but it invites us to ask the hard questions. What do you think? Is true crime a necessary lens into the darker corners of society, or has it become a spectacle that overshadows the victims? Let’s discuss in the comments.
