The Crash
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Crash
Netflix's "The Crash (2026)" is a true-crime documentary that revisits the harrowing 2022 case of Mackenzie Shirilla, a then 17-year-old who was convicted of intentionally driving her car at 100 mph into a brick building, resulting in the deaths of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and his friend, Davion Flanagan. The film, released on May 15, 2026, delves into the investigation, courtroom proceedings, and the psychological complexities surrounding Shirilla's actions, including her volatile relationship with Russo. It examines whether the incident was a tragic accident or a premeditated murder, offering viewers insights from police footage, social media posts, and interviews with those connected to the case, including Shirilla herself. The documentary aims to explore the shifting narratives and the emotional aftermath of this deeply unsettling event, appealing to audiences interested in psychologically driven true crime. It has been described as a gut-wrenching and uncomfortable viewing experience. Its runtime is approximately 92-94 minutes, and it is available on Netflix. The content is mature, focusing on real-world tragedy, legal battles, and the profound impact of the crime.
Things to Consider
Violence
The documentary is centered around an act of extreme violence, specifically a double murder by car crash. It depicts the harrowing details of the intentional collision and its fatal consequences, making violence a central and disturbing element.
The film details Mackenzie Shirilla intentionally driving her car into a brick building at 100 mph, killing her boyfriend Dominic Russo and his friend Davion Flanagan. Descriptions highlight the immediate aftermath, with the two passengers pronounced dead at the scene after being found 'unconscious and not breathing'. The documentary likely includes 'wreckage photos, emergency recordings' and CCTV footage of the car speeding.
Scary & Intense Content
The documentary contains highly scary and intense content due to its true-crime subject matter involving a premeditated double murder, graphic accident scenes, and the psychological exploration of a perpetrator. Reviewers have described it as 'gut-wrenching' and 'uncomfortable'.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are prominent themes, particularly in the portrayal of Mackenzie Shirilla, who exhibited a pattern of defiance and lack of accountability, escalating to an alleged act of murder stemming from a tumultuous relationship.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
The Crash (2026) is recommended for audiences aged 16 and older, with strong parental guidance advised. This recommendation is based on the documentary's mature themes, which include graphic descriptions of a double murder and a high-speed car crash, exploration of toxic and manipulative relationships, discussions of substance use, and emotionally intense content related to a real-life tragedy and its legal aftermath. Netflix itself has rated it TV-MA.
Good to Know
The documentary delves into the psychological motivations behind the crash, exploring the concept of 'where a fatal mistake ends and cold-blooded murder begins'. It is important for parents to be aware that while it is a documentary, the emotional intensity and the graphic nature of the crime depicted may be disturbing. The film uses real police footage, social media posts, and interviews, which can enhance its impact.
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