Killer Sally
Updated: Nov 23, 2022
(available on Netflix)
FTC Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Reminiscent of I am a Killer (see previous FTC review/recommendation), this three-part docuseries provides a sneak peek into the life and crime of Sally McNeil, a former amateur bodybuilder convicted of murdering her husband on Valentine’s Day. In her own words, Sally recounts a career in the Marines, her experiences within the world of body building, and the highs and lows of her interpersonal relationships, including years of spousal abuse corroborated by Sally’s adult children.
The success of this series is largely due to McNeil’s charisma and the compelling story. Although Sally is an untrustworthy narrator, particularly regarding the events leading up to and resulting in her husband’s death, the series does raise salient questions about society’s preconceived notions of femininity and victimhood.
Strengths:
- The candid interviews with Sally’s now adult children, sharing their personal struggles
- Inclusion of the family’s home videos
- Interesting insight into body building competitions and the uglier aspects of the sport/art
- The interviews with Ray McNeil’s friends
- Includes interrogation tapes
- Presents possible motives for the murder
Weaknesses:
- No participation by law enforcement
- Does not cover McNeil’s experiences as an inmate
Final thought:
- It was incredibly sad to learn that the cycle of domestic violence continued to affect these families even after the death of Ray McNeil. If you or someone you know is in experiencing abuse, here is a list of resources in Canada which can help: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/topics/get-help-if-you-are-being-abused.html
Picture Source: imdb.com
