Who Killed Garrett Phillips? (HBO)

About Who Killed Garrett Phillips? (HBO)

"Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" is a thrilling two-part documentary TV Series that premiered on HBO in 2019. The series explores the complex case of 12-year-old Garrett Phillips who was found dead in his home in Potsdam, New York, in 2011. The series reveals the prosecution of Oral "Nick" Hillary, a black man in the predominantly white community, and the series of events that led up to it, highlighting systemic racism within the judicial system.

Making / Production

Award-winning director Liz Garbus helmed the series, utilizing deep research, extensive interviews with the key participants, and extensive court records to provide a comprehensive look at the case, its characters, and its unresolved aspects. The production crew also visited the actual crime scene and other related locations for their research and shot reconstructions.

Actors

• Garrett Phillips - The series uses footage of Garrett Phillips, and his death is the event around which the series revolves.
• Nick Hillary - The accused in the murder of Garrett Phillips. Hillary's plight showcases the myriad of issues regarding racial prejudice in small-town America.
• Tandy Cyrus - Mother of the deceased, Garrett Phillips, her role in the documentary includes interviews and insight into her experience of losing her son.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The director, Liz Garbus, is well-known for her award-winning documentary work, including "The Fourth Estate" and "What Happened, Miss Simone?"
• The series raises serious questions about law enforcement practices in rural areas, and the impact of bias in justice.

Awards

"Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" didn't receive any major award at the time, but it was met with critical acclaim for its in-depth exploration of the case.

Quotes

• "I loved coaching, it gave me an opportunity to engage with young minds." - Nick Hillary
• "How do you go on, when you've lost a child?" - Tandy Cyrus

Music, Soundtrack

• "Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" uses a haunting, atmospheric score that helps to build tension throughout the series.