Nail Bomber: Manhunt

Documentary on the hunt for a UK terrorist

Watch on Netflix
About Nail Bomber: Manhunt

Released: 2021

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 12m

Cast

About Nail Bomber: Manhunt

Nail Bomber: Manhunt is a gripping and harrowing documentary that explores the 1999 London bombings carried out by David Copeland, a far-right extremist. Directed by Daniel Vernon, this 2021 documentary provides a comprehensive look into the events surrounding the bombings and the subsequent manhunt to capture Copeland.

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About

The documentary begins by recounting the series of nail bomb attacks that occurred in London between April 17th and April 30th, 1999. These bombings targeted areas frequented by the black, South Asian, and LGBTQ+ communities, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuring more than a hundred.

Nail Bomber: Manhunt delves into the motivations and background of David Copeland, a former member of the British National Party and the National Socialist Movement. Through interviews with law enforcement officials, survivors, and experts, the documentary examines the social and political climate that fueled Copeland's extremist beliefs.

The film also follows the subsequent investigation led by Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Underhill. It showcases how the police gathered evidence, analyzed CCTV footage, and worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend Copeland, ultimately bringing him to justice.

Making / Production

Nail Bomber: Manhunt combines archival footage, interviews, and reconstructions to present a nuanced and comprehensive account of the London bombings and the subsequent manhunt. Director Daniel Vernon meticulously pieced together the narrative using a variety of sources, including news reports, police records, and personal testimonies.

The documentary features interviews with survivors, witnesses, police officers, and experts who provide valuable insights into the psychological and sociopolitical factors contributing to extremist violence. The interviews are combined with powerful reconstructions that help recreate the tense atmosphere of the bombings and the subsequent investigation.

Actors

  • David Copeland - Played by actor Charlie Coultas
  • Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Underhill - Played by actor Tom Beard

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Nail Bomber: Manhunt premiered on Netflix on May 26, 2021.
  • The documentary was produced by Raw TV, the production company behind acclaimed documentaries such as "Don't F**k with Cats" and "Three Identical Strangers."
  • The film includes chilling footage from the original police interrogations with David Copeland.

Awards

Nail Bomber: Manhunt has not received any awards as of now.

Quotes

  • "The atmosphere was really tense. People felt terrorized." - Survivor interviewee
  • "We had to piece these shredded nails together to try and understand what had happened." - Investigating officer

Music / Soundtrack

  • The documentary features an atmospheric and haunting score composed by David Poore.
  • The soundtrack includes songs from the late '90s, reflecting the cultural context in which the bombings occurred.