“Chilling” Documentary About Suicide Strikes Fear, Banned from Netflix

The most disturbing documentaries ever seen are being discussed by users on Reddit, with many singling out The Bridge as one of the most unsettling.

Netflix is no stranger to producing controversial projects. They have previously generated buzz with their controversial releases, such as the Marilyn Monroe biopic Blonde and the children’s dance crew film Cuties.

However, internet users argue that 2006’s The Bridge may have crossed a line. Following a complaint by the New Zealand Film and Video Labeling Body in 2015, which deemed the documentary’s content as “objectionable,”the film was pulled from Netflix.

The IFC Films documentary features individuals who tragically ended their lives by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. It was brought to light by a user named StellaZaFella in a Reddit thread discussing examples of documentaries that are deemed “incredibly morally reprehensible.”

According to StellaZaFella, the majority of the film consists of interviews with the loved ones of individuals who passed away, as well as one survivor who jumped. StellaZaFella expresses discomfort with the idea of filming and displaying these intimate moments, particularly since the subject was unable to give consent.

“Although they never show someone actually hitting the water, they cut away before that happens. Nevertheless, they manage to capture the final moments of these people’s lives.”

The Bridge (2006) Golden Gate Bridge — IFC Films

2006’s The Bridge captured the final moments of people committing suicide, raising concerns about consent in documentaries.

The issue lies in the method used by director Eric Steel to document the film. He placed cameras on the Golden Gate Bridge to capture people attempting suicide without informing them. As a result, those who succeeded in their attempts were not able to provide consent for their footage to be used in the film.

The release of The Bridge sparked widespread criticism due to its handling of deceased individuals and sensationalist style. The president of California’s Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network expressed their disapproval to the LA Times, stating that the film’s approach was akin to displaying a graphic photo of someone committing suicide on the front page of a newspaper, which they deemed to be unethical, exploitative, and voyeuristic.

Despite the ongoing debate, the film is still highly praised. It holds a 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an Audience Score of 72%. While there is some disagreement among critics regarding the film’s handling of consent from the deceased, it is widely acknowledged as a compelling documentary that brings attention to a pressing public health concern.

As of now, The Bridge is not yet accessible on Netflix, but it can be rented on Prime Video and Apple TV.

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