by John Townsend
Netflix attempts to unravel the disappearance of flight MH370, exploring various theories along the way.
In the early hours of March 8th, 2014, Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 left Kuala Lumpur on a ‘routine red-eye’ to Beijing. On board were 227 passengers and 12 crew. Leaving Malaysian airspace air traffic control, the pilot exchanged pleasantries, bid each other good night, and MH370 was never heard from again. All its communication systems went instantly dark. What happened remains the greatest mystery in the history of aviation and one that a new Netflix documentary attempts to unravel.
Except it doesn’t. Instead, we have a series of theories where, while each makes a modicum of sense, are never believable enough to make you think, ‘That’s the one!’ Each is supported by various talking heads, from French freelance journalist Florence de Changy to Ghyslain Wattelos, who tragically lost his wife and children on the flight. Each interviewee believes their version of events and has supporting (interpreted) evidence. But none convince.
Most prominent of all is aviation journalist Jeff Wise. This committed conspiracy enthusiast more than once stakes his reputation on a theory and, who by the final episode, seems to be simply saying the first thought that comes into his head. His persistent dramatizing of events feels somewhat macabre in the face of a mystery that cost so many lives.
While there is a suspicion – largely instilled by the documentary makers – that there is more to the story, at the end, you’re left with a sense that you’ve learned very little. And that only serves to remind you that so many lost their lives, and so many families may never find peace.
