Following their 2021 three-part series Sasquatch, Duplass Brothers Productions and Number 19 have released Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal. The creative team shares new stories using the same concept—true crime with a paranormal twist. All eight episodes are now streaming on Hulu.
The show’s eight cases involve missing people, murders, and deadly actions that have been linked to reports and beliefs of the supernatural. The episodes discuss UFOs, lizard people, ghosts, witches, shape-shifters, and cryptids. But as comical as some of these topics may sound, don’t be fooled. It’s an intriguing deep dive into the history, lore, and community trauma that can lead to extreme and sometimes dangerous supernatural beliefs.
Instead of corny reenactments, Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal uses quick animations to give the audience visuals. The filmmakers also incorporate actual footage whenever possible, including old news snippets, vintage photos, handheld video recordings, and newspaper headlines.
The first episode focuses on a man whose belief in lizard people overcame his life until he took explosive action. A disturbing home video shows him ranting to his friend, who is interviewed, about things he’s seen while they search the woods for a creature. His companion grows increasingly uneasy as the walk goes on, which makes for some intense viewing. Intensity gives way to fascination as the episode moves from “what” to “how” by connecting the dots between something as fantastical as lizard people and serious social issues like racist ideology.
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Some cases explore how pop culture, religion, geographical history, cults, conspiracy videos, and other elements can result in one’s extreme behavior. Others look at how these things can impact entire communities, leading to mass panic, false accusations, literal witch hunts, and potentially botched investigations.
Out There: Crimes of the Paranormal is a must-watch for anyone interested in folklore and true crime. The production is done well overall, the cases are intriguing, and the interviews are compelling. Each episode leaves the audience with something to ponder.
The series is now streaming on Hulu.
