I will bet that most people reading this review have heard of Jodi Arias, but less folks have heard or even remember the name Travis Alexander. Yes? No? Maybe? While we sensationalize many murderers in our current society as attractive figures such as Arias, the Menendez brothers, Lori Vallo, Ted Bundy, etc., the likelihood that we will recall names of those lost lives still remains minimal. Many will claim (mostly with serial killers) that it is simply easier to recollect the actions of a subhuman mind than the innocent folks who were slaughtered at the hands of a madman. Is this as horrific as it sounds? And should we take inventory of our own psyche when placing attention on these infamous monsters?  

Dear Jodi, is an oddity. It’s a documentary discussion focused between UFOlogist Clive Christopher and two local podcasters who are doing their best to uncover our fascination with beautiful sociopaths. However, the conversation which begins with the public’s allure for the young and stunning overriding the demented and deranged goes off center into another realm of dissection. Suddenly, we are thrown into several tangents ranging from mental illness to clever cover ups and amateurish cleansing of their crimes. Ummm, didn’t we already know all of this?  

“Investigator” Clive touches upon the charisma of the less appealing Charles Manson (he had the women, he had the followers, yet he wasn’t the looker we were expecting to see.)  So, is this about being a captivating killer, a desirable destroyer, or…something else? I’m confused.  

Back onto the subject of Jodi Arias, her Inmate Idol performance of “O Holy Night” is analyzed as a possible hidden confession to stay in the public eye through her lovely vocals and sweet-pseudo-sinister smile. There is something about her presence that makes people around her want to believe the horrendous act of violence upon Travis Alexander was justified.  Is anyone going to discuss exactly what led to her incarceration? The history of their relationship? Anyone?

There are no missing pieces to the case of Jodi Arias. If you’ve followed this appalling story, it’s a clear crime of passion provoked by on-going rejection, booty calls, and sexually ignited fire between two nice looking young adults who never quite identified or labeled their bond. If you approach Dear Jodi without any history or knowledge of this overkilled homicide, you will not find any legitimate answers here. In fact, you will leave with MORE questions and uncertainty.  

Dear Jodi never targets its intention. By bringing in previous components such as the now known local celebrity Sherrif Joe who obviously loves extending his 15 minutes of fame by 10+ years, to Darren Burch (or is it Birch? Filmmakers – spell check, please!), CrimeStoppers sergeant who doesn’t generate any new substance to this story, it’s impossible to pinpoint what was the premise of creating more coverage about this superstar criminal.  

The movie presents 4 pillars of media selling points: Sex, murder, religion and jealousy. The case of Jodi Arias encompasses all, and then some. The media becomes putty to big murders, especially when committed by a striking female. And yes, the names of casualties often fade away as weeks, months and years progress, until only the antagonist is remembered…good or evil, that has become normalized. What a shame.

After claiming little to no attention paid to the innocent lives taken by heinous actions of psychopaths such as Jodi, it’s ironic that we are provided with one single photo of Travis Alexander…at the very end of the film. If this is geared towards remembering his legacy, it’s a complete fail and only solidifies that we DO hone in on the wrongdoers over the losses. What an embarrassment.