Netflix is set to broadcast Emmy and BAFTA-nominated director Emma Cooper’s three-part documentary exploring the widely-discussed courtroom battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. To be released on August 16, reviews of Depp v. Heard have been mixed.
The Guardian has warned viewers of the potential for oversimplification of a complex legal battle to be biassed. Cooper’s attempt to capture the essence of the highly publicised lawsuit has been acknowledged, although caution is urged against melding intricate legal arguments into mere soundbites.
In light of this, it may be beneficial for viewers to read up on the reviews before diving into the documentary, as an aid to helping them decide whether to engage with it or not. With streaming due to begin soon, it’s only a matter of time before viewers can discover what legal insights are on offer in this controversial tale.
The Chicago Sun Times has expressed its criticism of the documentary for being too “slapdash and superficial,” saying that its overwhelmingly pro-Depp perspectives enabled social media influencers to take aim at Amber Heard without considered consideration for the severity of the issue. The Hollywood Reporter has highlighted the documentary’s lack of in-depth analysis as reason why those who followed the court case until its completion have seen little value in it.
The Daily Beast meanwhile has recognised efforts to acknowledge Depp’s enthusiastic fanbase, though it questions lack of exploration into the significant social issues that were at play, such as in the post-#MeToo era and domestic violence. Jezebel raises suspicion about the documentary’s potential impact, observing that it leaves viewers uncertain as to whether its main discernment simply reflects the ruthless nature of the online world.