Leaving Neverland

“I’m lucky to get a glass of grape drink at my friend’s house, let alone a roller coaster ride and my dick sucked”

This doc doesn't aim to be a neutral fact-finding journey. Instead, it takes the accusers at their word and presents their story in a compelling way (but could have done so more succinctly). Certainly worthy of a watch, and it has reignited a public debate that seems very different in the context of today's cultural landscape than it did when Jackson was still alive.

Obviously he did it, we don't need a documentary to know that, but it also isn't the documentary's job or goal to prove anything. What Leaving Neverland is is an emotive character study on trauma and stunted growth, and an honest portrayal of abuse and the grooming process.

People complain about this being one-sided, and yeah, it is, but I don't think these people really understand what a documentary is. It was long and in-depth, but it felt appropriate in order to understand and get the full scope of what happened. It was presented fairly simply, but that's probably necessary. The footage and photos and stuff were mixed in well. It's a difficult film to watch, no doubt, but I think it's important too - everyone should see it.

"Here I am, sitting on a bed with Michael Jackson! I just thought, No one would believe me." Smash cut to 2019: Everyone believes it.

Cuts through the sympathy built up by the Jackson estate since 1993 (lost childhood, picture of innocence, preyed on by gold diggers) and restoked by 2003's Living with MJ; no, he was a calculating, predatory pedophile and we were blinded by our own nostalgia. In a post-Savile, post-Epstein world it's so obvious in hindsight, and requires just the slightest bit of critical inquiry - keeping in mind that there is a huge online cult devoted to whitewashing his crimes and smearing this documentary.

It manages to stay fairly engrossing, despite its excessive length (4 hours!). This is not the sort of documentary that presents all sides, and it's easy to forget--because of the sheer star magnitude of the central figure--that this is not actually about Michael Jackson, but the kids and the aftermath they're left to deal with. And it is extremely illuminating on the subject of the methods and tactics used by pedophiles.

Worst thing I have seen all year long. Everyone involved with this should be ashamed of themselves. Just a bunch of losers trying to get money out of people who never even wronged them. Also, this is one of the worst made documentaries I have ever seen. Fuck these guys.

this dude did it.

Triggering feelings of both disgust and nostalgia at the same time, 'Neverland' is the confirmation of all the fears we've always had about the star but hoped were never true. Nobody likes trial-by-media - even more so when polar testimonies have been made in court - but both guys here come across as very genuine and believable, particularly when it comes to their honest views on their mothers allowing this guy to sleep in the same bed as them. A must for anyone who grew up with MJ.

Will.I.Am said, If he did it, then it's sad and inhumane. But if he didn't, then what is happening [with and because of this film] is sad and inhumane. I survived forty minutes. The documentary was going nowhere. I got it.

Michael Jackson was guilty...of investing his money too well.

Yeah if you don't believe Michael Jackson molested kids, you're out of your goddamned mind.

Casting off notions of “truth” as irrelevant, this very long journey provides an in-depth account of Robson and Safechuck’s relationships with Jackson; the film-makers' clear agenda is offset by a genuinely even-handed tone in the interviews, giving skeptical viewers room to manoeuvre (especially depicting the fractious family dynamics of Robson). But the overly manipulative score (and choice of some photos) seems excessive and unnecessary. Worthwhile, regardless of your feelings on the subject.

Well...that was rough.

Hard watch. But necessary.

The subject is obviously crazy. But the countless and lifeless drown shots of LA and Brisbane were mediocre film making. And boy, these parents are just the worst!

☆ Felt like it could have been shorter/better summed up. Super sad and creepy to learn this stuff about MJ too, but definitely important to hear the victims come out even after he's gone. ☆

Only you and Macaulay Culkin can save Michael Jackson. Amazing line said genuinely by a crazy lady.

It's not bad, but this documentary probably won't rock your world

This doc offers nothing in the way of evidence, simply more accusers added to a lengthy list. You make your decision to accept the accusers word, or not, and also the decision as to whether you can separate the man from the music.

Brave. Striking. Monumental.

Almost as difficult to rate as it was to watch. I found it to be too long, and if you want answers, look somewhere else. If you want to engage with the question about the mutability of truth, ditto ('Capturing the Friedmans'). However, I think it's completely acceptable to make a wholly one-sided documentary as long as the accusations are being corroborated (note to critics: just don't use the p-word, ffs). Some more info about Wade and Jimmy's recent lawsuits would definitely have been prudent.

Interesting topic - no doubt about that. Aren't we all wondering about what truly happened at Neverland? As a documentary it fails to deliver however. By showing only one side of the story, through sentimental music and overly graphic descriptions it feels so manipulative, that I actually didn't want to believe the accusations. I don't feel a whole lot smarter on the subject 4 hours later of talking heads. It does however raise questions, and that makes it an important watch.

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Impossible to rate cinematically, as there's nothing really fresh or impressive on a filmmaking level, but this is an undoubtedly devastating and convincing account. We'll probably never know the truth (this is also admittedly one-sided) but this is hard to shake off.

More than just a sickening testimonial, this doc made me feel sad for so many other victims of child abuse whose lives have also pretty much been destroyed. Respect to LaToya for having been the bravest one all along.