Summary
The Manhattan Alien Abduction raises some interesting questions and allows the stories to speak for themselves so audiences can draw their own conclusions.
The Manhattan Alien Abduction follows the insane story of a woman named Linda who claims to have been abducted from her bedroom in Manhattan — by aliens. This experience has become the most credible and contested alien abduction in recent history. So, of course, Netflix has created a documentary that explores whether it was an elaborate hoax or proof of alien life.
Budd Hopkins was obsessed with UFOs and the potential of alien life. He brought people together who claimed they had had experiences with aliens or UFOs and gave them an open space to share their stories freely without judgment. He conducted hypnosis with many of the abductees, and Carol, his partner, filmed their sessions. Carol was also hypnotized to experience what she was filming. This is where Budd met Linda, and then she experienced more.
There is footage from previous TV shows, local news stations, and radio stations, and The Manhattan Alien Abduction then uses reenactments to help audiences visualize the experiences Linda and others are explaining.
The limited series has first-class interviews with reporters, journalists, investigators, abductees, Carol, Linda, and Linda’s son, Johnny. The interviews come across as natural, unscripted, and honest. The series is exceptionally well shot, and the lighting — especially in the interviews — is a work of art, creating a warm yet eerie atmosphere. Johnny’s interview is very dark as he doesn’t wish to be seen, but his encounters and experiences are key to whether Linda is telling the truth or not.
Hearing the stories from people who claim to have been abducted, and their confidence and their emotional state when recounting it, is hard to not believe. Either this did happen to them, or they deserve an Oscar for their performance.
What makes Linda’s story so impressive is that there were eyewitnesses — one described the event as “like a movie… like special effects.”. We watch as Linda listens back to her recordings of her encounters, which is distressing for her. However, Carol is not convinced. Carol never believed Linda was under hypnosis and found flaws in her story, especially when Linda claimed her son had also been abducted. Linda’s story was too perfect, and would validate many people’s claims, so was Budd forcing it to be true? The series then takes you through how and why Linda would have been lying. Was she all an act? The series does well in not being biased and will let you come to your conclusions.
I don’t think anyone comes across as menacing or with bad intentions; both come across as believing their truth, and both are convincing. The final episode is full of drama, intensity, and even more curiosity.
The Manhattan Alien Abduction is a thought-provoking and interesting limited series that raises questions about the existence of alien life, and if people have had genuine experiences. Whether you’re a believer or not, the interviews, the conversations, and the stories are entertaining and worth hearing.
