What Happened, Brittany Murphy?

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Season 1
  • Network: HBO Max
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 14, 2021
Metascore
37

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 6 out of 11

Critic Reviews

  1. Paste Magazine
    Reviewed by: Tara Bennett
    Oct 14, 2021
    55
    As another story of predatory men who exploit the vulnerable, Hill and her producers do a very good job of relaying the nuance and context of Murphy’s whole life, laying the groundwork for how someone like Monjack could slip in and do their worst. But where the doc fails on an exceptional level is succumbing to the temptation of including the tasteless freak show elements that existed in fringes of her life, and have continued after her passing.
  2. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Kristen Lopez
    Oct 14, 2021
    50
    “What Happened, Brittany Murphy” might please those with little knowledge of Murphy’s life and career seeking a true-crime story version of her life. For those who want insight into her significance as a performer and how this is a true Hollywood story in a way that’s sad and preventable, you might be left wanting.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Lisa Weidenfeld
    Oct 14, 2021
    50
    The first part, in particular, feels undeveloped. ... The second part fares better, delving into some of the unpleasant realities of her life, including her drug use and the specifics of Monjack’s controlling behavior.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. Braw
    Oct 18, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Well, not a lot of new information is provided. It does give the scope of Brittney career. It shows the trials and tribulations Brittney went through in her short life and really works to "humanize " Brittney rather than sensationalize her. I still feel that we are left with more questions than answers and you are left feeling sad for her in the end rather than feeling like she recieved any kind of justice for her death. One thing is for sure even if she was not murdered there was neglect somewhere. If anyone in her immediate surroundings excersied an iota of common sense she may still be alive today as her exercised an iota of common sense.… Full Review »
  2. Walteragogo
    Oct 15, 2021
    0
    What Happened, HBO Documentaries? -After a lifetime of rich, engaging documentaries, HBO consistently delivers hollow, pretentiousWhat Happened, HBO Documentaries? -After a lifetime of rich, engaging documentaries, HBO consistently delivers hollow, pretentious who-done-its with no logical conclusion. They have mastered the useless celebrity doc that serves no purpose other than to fill their hollow pipeline. Hate to say it, but HBO? WTF? Take a lesson from the crappy drek that Netflix consistently delivers and dare to at least rise to their level. Please? Also, might be appropriate for HBO to apologize to Brittany Murphy and her fans for doing her such a disservice. While you’re at it, I’ll take an apology for wasting nearly two hours of my time…luckily i fast forwarded through much of this crap.

    Finally, what happened to the brains of any of the reviewers to the left that gave this anything above a 30? Bought and paid for shame on you. This is crap. You should have the courage and good wits to call a spade a spade.    … Full Review »
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