The documentary “Lover, Stalker, Killer,” directed by the adept Sam Hobkinson, presents a gripping narrative that delves deep into the dark and twisted events surrounding a series of crimes that will undoubtedly leave viewers in committed relationships feeling a sense of relief that they are securely out of the treacherous dating world.
The story unfolds in 2012, centering around the life of Dave Kroupa, an Omaha-based auto mechanic finding his footing again after the end of a significant relationship. At 35, Dave is single, navigating the complexities of the dating scene with a mix of apprehension and excitement. It's through a dating app that he crosses paths with Liz Golyar, a woman whose interests include bowling and an evident disdain for video cameras, as evidenced by archival footage showcasing her giving the finger to the lens. As Dave and Liz embark on what he believes to be a nonexclusive relationship, he soon meets another woman, Cari Farver, marking the beginning of a complicated entanglement.
The early stages of Dave's connection with Farver quickly spiral into chaos. Dave becomes the target of relentless harassment, bombarded with a flood of disturbing texts and emails. The viewer is confronted with a screen filled with graphic language and menacing threats, while the soundtrack is overtaken by the unsettling sound of digital glitches. This digital harassment soon manifests into a terrifying reality when Golyar's residence is mysteriously set ablaze.
As the narrative of harassment and intimidation unfolds, the absence of Farver becomes a pivotal mystery, one that might have been unraveled earlier with the application of Occam's razor, had all the pieces of the puzzle been available. The documentary masterfully introduces unexpected twists and turns, challenging even the most diligent armchair detectives with revelations that defy anticipation.
In crafting this complex tale, the filmmakers skillfully navigate the delicate balance between reality and reenactment. They opt to present the unfolding events through the lens of interviews, creating an atmosphere where certain critical facts seem yet to be revealed, despite being public knowledge. This approach is augmented by the inclusion of staged footage, which, while bordering on the edge of cliché with its portrayal of Midwest law enforcement, adds a layer of depth to the storytelling. The filmmakers introduce two detectives pivotal to cracking the case in a somewhat stereotypical pool hall scene, a nod to the genre's conventions.
Despite these familiar narrative techniques, the documentary never wavers in its pace, delivering a tightly woven 90-minute film that captivates and holds the viewer's attention from start to finish. “Lover, Stalker, Killer” transcends the typical true crime documentary format, offering a meticulous exploration of the human psyche, the perils of modern dating, and the unforeseen dangers that can lurk behind seemingly innocuous encounters. Through its intricate storytelling and compelling real-life characters, the film invites viewers to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the shadowy boundaries between love and obsession.
