How to Commit the Perfect Murder (2007)

If this were a film, one might expect it to be a dark comedy. However, as a documentary, it delves into the fascinating world of forensic science. The film begins on a lighter note, but soon viewers find themselves immersed in discussions about DNA and surrounded by insects extracted from corpses.

The central focus is the body—the most critical piece of evidence in any murder investigation. Pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd takes us through crucial clues that reveal the secrets of suspicious deaths. His expertise sheds light on the intricate details that can unravel a crime.

But it doesn’t stop there. Dr. Lee Goff, another expert, demonstrates how he can determine the time of death from just a few maggots on a corpse. To understand human decomposition, he conducts experiments using deceased pigs as ideal models.

Throughout the documentary, notorious cases are explored. Archive footage takes us to the Sussex workshop where the acid bath murderer John George Haigh disposed of his victims. We hear chilling words from the infamous Jeffrey Dahmer. And fittingly, the program concludes with Britain’s most prolific serial killer, Dr. Harold Shipman.

Interestingly, the film leaves us with an unexpected twist: the best way to commit the perfect murder is for a budding serial killer to stop after their first victim. Of course, wearing a badge might be an even better strategy, but that’s a topic for a different type of documentary.

In its 50-minute runtime, How to Commit the Perfect Murder combines intrigue, science, and the macabre, leaving viewers with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of forensic investigation.