Mindhunter.

Mindhunter is a psychological thriller that spanned two seasons on Netflix premiering in 2017.

Based on a 1995 book of the same name, Mindhunter is set in the 1970s centering on two FBI agents who advocate for the research of the psychology of homicide, often meeting resistance from colleagues who dub behavioral science as flowery and unnecessary. The main characters conduct interviews with incarcerated serial killers in an effort to understand the mental mechanics of someone that could not only bring themselves to kill another human being but oftentimes, mutilate and humiliate them too. These characters are based on historical figures, and portrayed by chilling and mesmerizing performances.

It’s graphic and heavy and not for the faint of heart.

But the writing and the questions the show presents are fascinating—namely: are serial killers born or bred? Can we prevent people from growing up to kill?

I watched the first season with my brother in 2017 when it first premiered, and later caught the second in 2019, but in this rewatch, I’m amazed at how differently I’m able to consume each episode.

The dialogue is dry, academic, to the point, and loaded.

The production value is stellar.

It’s not any easier consuming the graphic images, but it is less shocking since I know what to expect this time around. In understanding how unsettling I knew it would be, I find I’m more able to give attention to the evolving experience of the characters and the rich plot weaved throughout.

More than anything, I’m fascinated all over again by how complex people are and what factors go into creating who we become. Questions will never cease to be intoxicatingly interesting to me and as I watch scenes of Mindhunter where the main characters question their subjects, question each other, question themselves, I can’t help but be enthralled by the weight of the ask more than the attempt of the answer.