Netflix is diving back into one of America’s most chilling unsolved mysteries, the Long Island Serial Killer case. The upcoming three-part documentary series, premiering on March 31, 2025, revisits the decades-long hunt for a murderer who preyed on women and evaded justice for years.
The case first came to light in 2010 when authorities searching for a missing woman, Shannan Gilbert, stumbled upon four bodies along Long Island’s Gilgo Beach. Over the next few months, more remains were discovered, bringing the total number of victims linked to the case to at least eleven. Many of the victims were sex workers from the New York City area, sparking fears that a predator was specifically targeting them.
For over a decade, the investigation went cold. Despite the gruesome discoveries, law enforcement struggled to identify the killer. The breakthrough came in 2023 when authorities arrested 59-year-old architect Rex Andrew Heuermann. By 2024, he had been charged with multiple counts of murder, though he pleaded not guilty. His arrest marked a turning point in the case, offering some closure to families who had waited years for answers.
The Netflix series, directed by Liz Garbus known for the 2020 film Lost Girls, which dramatised the case takes an in-depth look at the investigation, the social stigma surrounding the victims, and how law enforcement handled the case. Through interviews with journalists, detectives, and people connected to both the victims and the accused, the documentary pieces together the long, frustrating search for justice.
Beyond just retelling the facts, the series highlights the systemic issues at play and how certain victims don’t receive the same urgency or attention, and how that impacts justice. It also raises tough questions about policing, media bias, and society’s treatment of marginalised women.
With new evidence and first-hand accounts, Netflix’s latest deep dive into true crime aims to shed fresh light on a case that haunted Long Island for years. Whether it will bring any new revelations remains to be seen, but for many, the hope is that revisiting the past will finally bring some long-overdue justice.
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.