Netflix is set to release a new true crime series, Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer, on April 3, 2024. The series delves into a string of murders that shook Berlin’s party scene in 2012, exploring the impact of these crimes on the city and its community.
This three-part documentary series focuses on a series of bizarre and mysterious murders that occurred in Berlin over a decade ago. The episodes will reconstruct the investigation into these cases, following the police’s struggle to identify the culprit as the body count rose.
The crimes were committed by a serial killer, dubbed ‘The Darkroom Murderer’ by the press, who targeted victims in the LGBTQ+ community. ‘The Darkroom Murderer’ is referred to as ‘Koma-Killer’ or ‘Darkroom Killer’ in the series. The killer would drug his victims with liquid ecstasy or unknown substances, taking advantage of the city’s nightlife and targeting people who were alone.
The investigation gained momentum after one of the killer’s targets survived the attack. This led to the perpetrator being identified as ‘Dirk P.’ and subsequently sentenced to life in prison. He later died in custody.
The series aims to explore the psychology behind the crimes, shedding light on the fears experienced by the LGBTQ+ community and the motivation behind these disturbing acts. It will also reconstruct the events using interviews, archival footage, and stylized recreations. Among those interviewed include criminal investigators, the public prosecutor, relatives of the victims, and the survivor whose testimony helped solve the case.
Nightlife Killer is directed by Jan Zabeil and Caroline Schaper and produced by Beetz Brothers Film Production, in association with Third Eye Motion Picture Company. This production house has previously worked on other true crime documentaries, including Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich. The series is a welcome addition to Netflix’s extensive true crime catalog, offering a gripping insight into a case that received little international coverage.
True crime remains a popular genre on Netflix, with the streamer continuing to explore real-life mysteries and crimes that have shocked communities worldwide. Nightlife Killer joins other notable true crime releases this month, including The Tearsmith and What Jennifer Did, as well as the latest season of The Circle.
Netflix has provided a first look at the series with a short teaser, featuring an ominous voiceover and footage of the Warschauer Staße station, a popular starting point for many clubgoers in Berlin. The teaser captures the eerie atmosphere of the series, hinting at a compelling and chilling narrative.
Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer is set to air alongside other highly anticipated Netflix releases this spring, including the film Ripley, based on Patricia Highsmith’s thrilling novels, and Strange Way of Life, a short film by Pedro Almodóvar.
