In Broad Daylight: The Narvarte Case – Netflix Review (3/5)

IN BROAD DAYLIGHT: THE NAVARTE CASE on Netflix is a true crime documentary from Mexico (org. title: A plena luz: El caso Narvarte). It’s about the murder of 5 people in 2015. Read our full In Broad Daylight: The Navarte Case documentary review here!

IN BROAD DAYLIGHT: THE NAVARTE CASE is a new Netflix documentary in the true crime subgenre. The true crime has to do with the murder of 5 people and the corruption during the investigation.

The murders took place in the Navarte neighborhood of Mexico City, hence the title. And yes, it also happened in broad daylight. This is a Mexican production (org. title: A plena luz: El caso Narvarte) and it’s obvious that the people fighting for justice are passionate. And they want the truth!

Continue reading our In Broad Daylight: The Navarte Case review below. Find it on Netflix from December 8, 2022.

The Navarte case

I had never heard of the Navarte case prior to watching this documentary. Or maybe I have, but then only in passing since I would’ve remembered many of the facts covered in this Netflix documentary.

Five people are murdered in the Navarte neighborhood of Mexico City and the so-called investigation is extremely lacking. To say the least.

What makes this documentary so intriguing, is looking at who might have an interest in these people dying. As in; Who would like them gone for good? It would appear that while some people might have been targeted, others were simply collateral damage.

And all of them are victims of corruption and power-hungry men.

Focusing on the victims

Personally, I have a great appreciation for the focus on the five victims. Especially since the “investigation” was very much based on victim blaming. In fact, it was almost used as an excuse to claim that the crime had been solved, despite very little evidence being presented.

One woman was consistently just referred to as a “domestic worker” in the press, who didn’t even bother using her name. Another was fairly quickly assumed to be a sex worker and/or involved with drug dealing. In other words, a person of little worth who probably “had it coming”.

We hear from the family or friends of most victims, which enables us, the viewers, to get a much better idea of the person. Something that usually lacks in these investigation-based true crime documentaries. However, in this one, it’s all about uncovering the truth.

That starts with recognizing that these murder victims were in fact victims. Real people, with real lives that were cut drastically and brutally short.

Also, I find it brilliant how miniature scale models of the crime scene were used to illustrate the events. Somehow, it made it all very real without having to show the victims in pools of blood.

Watch In Broad Daylight: The Navarte Case on Netflix now!

The director of this new Netflix true crime documentary from Mexico is Alberto Arnaut (Hasta los dientes). Both himself, Pedro García, Salma Abo Harp, and Cristina Soto are all credited as writers.

While the fairly lengthy runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes might seem long, it’s adequate for this documentary. There is a lot to cover and the deeper we get, the crazier it gets.

If you’re into true crime and find it fascinating to discover just how wildly corrupt many systems are, then this should not bore you for one single second. Check it out on Netflix now.

In Broad Daylight: The Navarte Case is on Netflix from December 8, 2022.