True crime documentaries are gruesome, yet for many viewers they provide an irresistible source of entertainment. Recently, a new documentary on Netflix has gained attention as the latest in the true crime genre to bring to light an intriguing, twisted story. “The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker” recounts the bizarre story of a homeless man, Kai, and his dramatic path from hitchhiker to internet sensation to dangerous criminal. Throughout, the story keeps the audience engaged with a wildly evolving story like no other.

Unlike most other true crime documentaries, this one begins with an act of heroism. Kai, the “Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker” becomes a news sensation after rescuing two women from a frenzied man who drove a car into a construction site. In an exclusive news interview which later went viral, Kai recounts his experience with a charisma that captured the nation. Although a nomadic hitchhiker, Kai began to get recognized on streets around the country. As his fame grew, the once-unknown man began getting offers from the likes of Jimmy Kimmel to appear on television. However, it proved difficult to wrangle Kai and his behavior was not well-suited for the big screen. Once his television appearances began to dwindle, the hitchhiker returned to the streets, relying on the aid of strangers for food and shelter. For a while, this worked well—his increasing fame and charisma made people feel comfortable enough to invite him into their homes and strike up conversation.

Eventually, however, the story takes a much darker turn. It quickly becomes evident that Kai, whose real name is revealed to be Caleb McGillvary, was more prone to aggression than initially thought. He begins demanding fans buy him alcohol, and expresses increasingly concerning behaviors. This culminates in the murder of a man in his home, with video evidence showing Kai with the man the same day he died. Suspected of a brutal murder, the “hatchet-wielding hitchhiker” goes from internet hero to criminal in an instant.

Any fans of true crime looking for a truly unique story have to look no further with this latest Netflix documentary. A winding tale with many twists and turns, “The Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker” is a memorable story with an unprecedented buildup. Video footage, interviews and timelines illustrate the crime in an engaging way for the audience. The audience is easily drawn in by the unique circumstances of this crime, and the exciting story has them asking for more. Overall, this documentary comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a fascinating, fresh, true crime story.