Democratization of Celebrity

We see a new breed of celebrity emerging—everyday people who become larger-than-life figures through their own relatable missions. These documentaries spotlight individuals who, while lacking traditional superhuman abilities, offer rich emotional backgrounds and relatable perspectives that resonate deeply with all of us.

These influencers can often seem like reflections of our aspirations and struggles. They seek validation and lay bare their vulnerabilities in a way that invites us to confront our own realities. And through their stories, we find a shared humanity that can be both comforting and unsettling; these series delve into human nature, forcing us to face uncomfortable truths while reminding us we’re not alone in our journeys.

So here’s my take on three true crime documentaries that reveal humanity at its worst or most cringe-worthy moments—each one powerfully showcasing how embracing our shared experiences can empower us to overcome challenges together. These shows remind us that the line between heroism and everyday life is thinner than we might think, reflecting the complexities inherent in human nature and society itself.

“The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist”

“The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist” features bored B-list stars who thought breaking into A-listers’ homes was their ticket to stardom. Stealing money and clothes from celebrities while bragging about it online? Not exactly sustainable! But they got their fifteen minutes of fame—like winning the lottery but losing your ticket before cashing it out. This three-part series offers an inside look at two group members, Nick Prugo and Alexis Neiers, who provide conflicting firsthand accounts as entertaining as they are ridiculous, each blaming the other for leading them down this glittery crime path. Spoiler: no one’s innocent here—the lawyers, investigators, journalists all seem eager to make names for themselves through this documentaries—a dismal fame grab where nobody wins in reality TV’s messy glory.

“Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke”

“Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” draws intriguing parallels to Stephen King’s iconic horror novel “The Shining.” While King’s story unfolds with a writer descending into madness at an isolated, haunted resort, Ruby Franke spirals out of control within her tight-knit Mormon community in the majestic mountains of Utah. Amidst this picturesque setting, nature’s beauty sharply contrasts with her personal turmoil. Ruby juggles multiple roles as both an actress and director. She does this through her popular YouTube channel. This platform, once a source of creativity and connection, becomes entangled with community expectations and pressures, amplifying her struggles. As she navigates fame and familial obligations, viewers witness not just chaos. They also see an exploration of identity and societal norms within a deeply ingrained cultural context. The tension between public persona and private reality creates an unsettling narrative that resonates on many levels.

“American Murder: Gabby Petito”

“American Murder: Gabby Petito” echoes a modern “Romeo & Juliet.” Instead of star-crossed lovers in a moonlit garden, Gabby and her fiancé Brian start a cross-country adventure in a van. This vehicle serves as a romantic chariot, a story fitting for Gabby’s personal YouTube channel. The young couple travels through picturesque vistas. The views are enhanced by Instagram filters that turn sunsets into neon masterpieces. It is hard not to envy them. Unfortunately, while instances of abusive behavior may have been documented elsewhere, they are conspicuously absent from Gabby’s YouTube channel. Once Gabby disappears under mysterious circumstances, a nationwide manhunt begins both her and Brian. This leads to a whirlwind of sightings and videos from police officers and bystanders alike. These accounts unravel the complex dynamics of their relationship. They reveal the underlying patterns of abuse hidden beneath the surface during the seemingly perfect moments showcased online. It is almost like a dramatic Shakespearean tragedy—filled with betrayal, heartbreak, and inevitable downfall—captivating audiences across the nation. Each update provides chilling details about their last known locations and interactions, keeping us on edge as we piece together this harrowing tale that blurs the lines between love and violence. The infamous “burn after reading” note from Brian’s mother raises eyebrows and highlights familial tensions intertwined with personal struggles. It’s a stark reminder of how parental influences shape young relationships, potentially leading them down dark paths. This underscores that love, while uplifting, can also be ensnared by complications and self-destruction—a poignant lesson wrapped in tragedy and intrigue.

Divine Electricity

What makes this genre engaging? Is it the exploration of humanity through vulnerable narratives that remind us of the stories behind headlines? The idea of celebrity had been worn flat by social media. Suddenly, influencers became real again, ordinary people like the rest of us. Everyday people, flawed individuals acting as potential superheroes, inspired by their fictions to surpass their limits. They have no superpowers. They are not heroes. They were ordinary boys and girls with deep emotional histories, opinions, and sexuality. They became real enough for us to reach out and meet them. We stretched to receive the spark. The lightning bolt signaled contact. The divine electricity connects the lowest to the highest. It links the real to the fantastic. It infuses the streets and the sky into one seamless whole. We’ve seen what happens when we become them, and when they become us.