Critics are raving about the new Showmax true-crime documentary, “Original Sin: My Son The Killer.” Marteli Brewis of Sarie calls it “poignant,” while Cape Talk’s Sara-Jayne King hails it as “absolutely gripping viewing.”
The film delves into the horrific story of Thea Pretorius, a mother forced to confront the unthinkable: her son, Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, is a murderer. Gerhard brutally killed his 25-year-old girlfriend, Andrea Venter, in full view of witnesses and security cameras. He then vanished, becoming a fugitive who evaded authorities for years across South Africa and Brazil, assuming multiple identities and starting families under false pretenses.
Thea, initially in denial, grapples with the truth about her son and the devastation he caused. The documentary trailer features her chilling statement, “He’s capable of worse things.”
Adding depth to the story is former profiler for the South African Police Service, Dr. Gérard Labuschagne. He worked on countless murder cases, but this one, he admits, stands out for its brutality. It also sheds light on the complexities of abusive relationships. “We all think the victim should just leave,” says Dr. Labuschagne, “but people get trapped in a cycle of violence. And sometimes it’s sheer terror. They know if they leave, he’ll kill them.” Tragically, Andrea attempted to leave and even obtained a restraining order, but the system failed to protect her.
“Original Sin” isn’t just Pretorius’ story. Profiler Labuschagne, who retired in 2016, also reveals how deeply this case affected him. “People often ask me which case stands out the most,” he says. “They expect a serial killer or something bizarre, but it’s this one. It’s unfinished business, a sense of unfairness. It felt personal, and I think a lot of people involved felt the same way.”
The documentary is directed by John Gutierrez, whose credits include the award-winning films “Sons of the Sea” and “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin’ Down a Dream” (editor). “Original Sin” weaves a gripping narrative, intercutting CCTV footage of Andrea’s murder, excerpts from Gerhard’s trials, and interviews with both families. Police and legal teams from South Africa and Brazil, along with the Brazilian Federal Police and Rio de Janeiro Interpol, contribute to the investigation.
Produced by a powerhouse team – Showmax, Rogan Productions (known for BAFTA-winning “Uprising” and nominated works like “Freddie Mercury: The Final Act” and “Putin: A Russian Spy Story”), and The Electric Shadow Company (BAFTA nominee “McQueen” and Hot Docs winner “Name Me Lawand”) – in association with Combined Artists (“Strangers You Know, Carte Blanche”) and Red Earth (“Narcoworld: Dope Stories”), “Original Sin: My Son The Killer” promises to be a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts.