The Devil Next Door from A&E is a bone-chilling 5-part mini-series, which was released in 2019. The show uncovers an infamous case of John Demjanjuk, the Ukrainian-American autoworker, who was suspected of being a war criminal and a guard in notorious Nazi concentration camps.
The series offers exclusive access to Demjanjuk's controversial trial in Israel and sheds light on the evidence presented against him. The Devil Next Door tries to unravel the complex history and politics surrounding the allegations of war crimes, as well as the international hunt to bring Demjanjuk to justice.
The show is an excellent example of how thorough research and investigation can be used to demystify a case that seemed to have too many loose ends.
The mini-series includes interviews with key witnesses, including Yoram Sheftel, Demjanjuk's defense attorney, who gives a detailed account of his side of the story. Sheftel also offers shocking revelations of the allegedly fraudulent tactics used to incriminate his client.
Another key character of the series is Eli Gabay, the lead prosecutor in the case, who presents pieces of evidence to back up the allegations against Demjanjuk. Gabay sheds light on the intricate details of the investigation in Israel and the numerous obstacles they had to overcome in their pursuit of justice.
Eli Rosenbaum, the former director of the Human Rights Enforcement Strategy and Policy Unit in the U.S. Department of Justice, also weighs in on the case. Rosenbaum provides perspective on the larger historical context surrounding the Holocaust and the need to hold alleged war criminals accountable.
The Devil Next Door manages to capture the magnitude of the case, not only from a legal perspective but also from an emotional one. It tells the stories of survivors and their families, who suffered unimaginable atrocities at the hands of the Nazi officers.
Without giving any spoilers, the mini-series has its fair share of dramatic twists, and it does a great job of keeping the audience engaged and invested in the outcome of the trial. The pacing is perfect, and the editing is immaculate, with seamless transitions between different timelines and perspectives.
The production value of the show is top-notch, with stunning aerial shots of the concentration camps and the city of Cleveland, where Demjanjuk lived most of his life. The soundtrack is haunting and sets the mood for an intense and emotionally charged atmosphere.
Overall, The Devil Next Door is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical documentaries or true crime. The show explores the grim past of humankind but also highlights the importance of due process and critical thinking. It is a timely reminder of the atrocities of the past and the dangers of forgetting them.
The Devil Next Door is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between November 27, 2018 and on A&E