True crime continues to be perhaps the most addictive documentary genre out there. By now, most of us are pretty familiar with serial killers from the west, with crime stories from the MENA region remaining largely untold, but that changes with Dark Times, a pioneering docuseries that unveils the sinister side of Arab true crime. Directed by Lebanese actor and director Karim Rahbani, this series is the Arab world’s first true crime documentary of its kind.
Produced by Al Sharq TV and SRMG, Dark Times recently debuted on Netflix Middle East and North Africa. The series, consisting of seven gripping episodes, focuses on the gruesome crimes committed by serial killers in the MENA region, uncovering long-hidden stories of murder. The series employs a thorough investigative approach, exploring the motives behind these crimes through insightful interviews with experts and researchers. But unlike Western crime documentaries that often glamorize violence, this series seeks to reveal the intricate psychological motives and complexities behind the crimes.
Dark Minds – Trailer from The Big Picture Studios on Vimeo.
Spanning several decades and six Arab countries—Tunisia, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco– the series starts in the 1980s with the harrowing story of a child murderer in the serene city of Nabeul, Tunisia. It then moves through the 1990s with tales of serial killers in Jordan and continues into the new millennium with stories from Beirut, Giza, and Kirkuk. Each episode scrutinizes the societal pressures that allowed these horrific crimes to occur, highlighting how outward displays of piety and morality can sometimes mask true evil.
The documentary strives to comprehend—rather than excuse—the motives of the criminals. It delves into the psychological roots of their actions, often pointing to troubled childhoods as a common factor. Through heartfelt interviews with the families of victims and revealing archival footage, the series encourages reflection on societal norms and parenting practices, while making for some genuinely fascinating watching.
