Into the Abyss
2011 · Movie · PG-13 · 105 min · ★ 6.9 · 83% critics
This documentary explores life and death through conversations with people on death row and others affected by a brutal crime. Through interviews and reflections, it looks at punishment, grief, and the human stories behind the justice system, leaving viewers to wrestle with difficult questions and few easy answers.
Also known as Into the Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life
Where to watch
Streaming on AMC+ and IFC Films.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 2011
- Release date
- 2011-11-11
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Critic score
- 83/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.9/10 (282 votes)
About
You’ll likely appreciate this if you want a serious, interview-driven look at capital punishment and its ripple effects, similar in weight to The Gatekeepers or The Cove; Not for you if you want light viewing or clear-cut answers.
Pros: intense, thought-provoking interviews; emotionally gripping stories; multiple perspectives included | Cons: heavy subject matter; can feel unfocused; some find it biased
Themes
- death penalty
- texas
- death row
- capital punishment
- death row inmate
Cast & crew
Werner Herzog
as Narrator (voice)
- JB
Jason Burkett
as Self - Convicted Murderer
- RL
Richard Lopez
as Self - Death House Chaplin (as The Reverend Richard Lopez)
- DH
Damon Hall
as Self - Montgomery County Sheriff's Department
- LS
Lisa Stolter-Balloun
as Self - Daughter and Sister to Victims
- CR
Charles Richardson
as Self - Older Brother of Jeremy
- JT
Jared Talbert
as Self - Citizen of Conroe Texas
- AW
Amanda West
as Self - Former Bartender
- DB
Delbert Burkett
as Self - Jason Burkett's Father
- MB
Melyssa Burkett
as Self - Jason Burkett's Wife
Directed by Werner Herzog