The story of the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker is a story made for our times. It’s the kind of true-crime, twist-filled saga that would have piqued our interest a hundred years ago or 50 years ago — but because it took place in the 21st century, meaning there was a huge viral component to the telling of the tale, this wasn’t just a local news feature. It exploded in a big way, before quickly imploding in even more stunning fashion. In a matter of months, a beloved instant anti-hero who had Hollywood knocking on his door was behind bars, and a man was dead.
Whether you remember the details from this story or it’s all new to you, writer-director Colette Camden’s Netflix documentary “The Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker” is an early-year contender for any list of the most fascinating true-crime films of the year. Camden briskly but thoroughly walks us through the paces of the story in a mostly linear fashion, relying on a treasure trove of news footage and viral videos; a few simple, dramatic recreations lensed in golden silhouettes; some insightful recollections from the reporter who broke the story, and a handful of TV producers and bookers who had some bizarre encounters with the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker, aka Kai Lawrence, aka Caleb Lawrence McGillvary.
