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28th Feb 2019

Netflix have added a documentary about the real-life Dirty John and viewers are hooked

Paul Moore

There’s even more to the case. Dirty John fans have found their next watch

Fresh from the news that Season 2 of Dirty John is on the way – albeit with a different and self-contained story – true crime fans have immersed themselves in the story of John Meehan.

In case you haven’t seen the show, the real-life story is based on Los Angeles Times reporter Christopher Goffard’s true crime podcast, which focused on Newport Beach interior designer and single mother Debra Newell (Connie Britton), who falls for a con man posing as a doctor named John Meehan (Eric Bana).

Ultimately, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where this is going as secrets, lies, manipulation, violence, and ultimately, survival, all come to the fore.

At times, the show does veer towards melodrama and things do go a bit ‘soap opera’, but there’s no denying the fact that since it landed on Netflix, the drama has really resonated with audiences.

If you’ve just finished the show, you’ll be pleased to know that Netflix have also added a documentary about the real life John Meehan.

It’s called Dirty John, The Dirty Truth and since being released on the online streaming giant, viewers have found it to be a very interesting watch – especially when viewed in tandem with the TV show.

In terms of its aesthetic approach, the documentary features interviews with the women that Meehan tormented, coerced and abused.

The filmmakers also interview Meehan’s two daughters and disclose some information about his private life. For example, we learn that he used to send drugs to his brother and that there are many, many more unidentified victims of Meehan’s out there.

Elsewhere, the documentary recounts stories of extortion, burglary, stalking, and a bounty being placed on the head of a detective investigating Meehan’s crimes.

We’re not going to divulge too many plot details, but if you’re a fan of the Dirty John TV show, this documentary will feel like the natural follow-up.

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