Netflix’s latest documentary is already more popular than an Oscar winning film among subscribers as it has been dubbed their ‘best one yet’
The latest instalment in the Trainwreck series landed on the streaming giant earlier this week.
Since its release on Tuesday (July 15), it has quickly gained traction among viewers.
At present, the film has rocketed to the top of the charts, becoming the most viewed title among UK subscribers.
It has outpaced new releases such as K Pop Demon Hunters, Brick and even the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer.
The synopsis reveals that the documentary transports viewers back to October 15, 2009, when a father from Fort Collins, Colorado, dials 911, reporting that his homemade flying saucer has taken off from his backyard.
He fears that his six year old son is aboard the runaway craft. This extraordinary claim is supported by footage from a news helicopter, which tracks the balloon and broadcasts the pursuit live, reports the Mirror.
What begins as a local incident and peculiar emergency situation rapidly escalates into a national crisis, with everyone from the National Guard to the Sheriff and Homeland Security grappling to devise a plan to safely rescue the child, swiftly dubbed Balloon Boy.
The dramatic landing of the infamous ‘Balloon Boy’ quickly shifted public sentiment from concern to indignation, as the bizarre incident became one of America’s most notorious news stories.
Netflix’s ‘Trainwreck’ documentary series has added ‘Balloon Boy’ to its roster, delving into various calamities and media frenzies. The series has previously dissected events such as the Astroworld disaster, the tumultuous journey of American Apparel, and the controversial Canadian politician Rob Ford.
This latest documentary dissects the peculiar tale through archival footage and interviews with key figures, including authorities, journalists, and the family involved.
Social media users have eagerly shared their thoughts on ‘Balloon Boy’, with one fan exclaiming: “Obsessed with Netflix Trainwreck.. but the Balloon Boy episode has me thinking.. how awesome would a giant Spacex Starship balloon be.”
Another viewer prioritised the new release, commenting: “New Trainwreck on Netflix. Balloon boy, best one yet.”
A third was captivated by the documentary, posting: “Watching this wild documentary on Balloon Boy on Netflix, this is craaaaazy wild.”
Critics are urging audiences to watch the film, noting that it sheds light on various issues and suggests that multiple viewings might uncover new insights each time.
One critic penned: “Questions spring out of the narrative about child manipulation and the ethics of media frenzies, fringe thematics that might take deeper root in a documentary series that’s more concerned with journalistic integrity than Trainwreck’s pursuit of amusement.”
A different reviewer remarked: “So why do we need to see the Netflix series if the story was so well reported at the time? For one reason: Balloon Boy is the first time we’re getting an in-depth look at the full story from the family’s point of view. We’re getting sit-down interviews with them all, including the now grown up Falcon, who still seems pleased that he was once at the centre of a national news storm as a little boy.”
The same reviewer added: “I can’t wait to get the inside story straight from the source. If you’re wondering what to stream this week, make it this as it has the potential to be one of the best Netflix shows.”
Trainwreck: Balloon Boy is streaming on Netflix.