The Unbinding

If you know them and their crew everything they do is for the right reasons. They don't make content to get followers. The Unbinding is a very heartfelt documentary. When they received The Crone and it started manifesting itself at their apartment, they tried to come to an understanding with whatever was inhabiting this figurine. It didn't cooperate with them so they kept it sequestered until they could return it to the place of origin. They then performed a ritual to release the binding that had been placed on it by persons unknown. Once the ritual was complete there was a noticeable change in the figurine and then they repatriated the figurine to the mountain it was found on and removed from by the two hikers. Most paranormal shows and documentaries are scripted that appear on the big screen or television. The Newkirks investigate phenomenon and only report what they discover in their investigations and don't add stuff to get more views or followers. They and their crew have true integrity unlike some shows.

This is not a horror film, nor can it be categorized as part of the typical paranormal reality tv genre, rather it is an investigation into a series of mysterious (and creepy) events surrounding a strange figurine, and the search for answers. The Newkirks' approach to this investigation is a deep dive into folklore, mythology, religion and witchcraft, combined with their insatiable curiosity, respect, and humor. The atmospheric cinematography, soundtrack, and audio mix draw the viewer into the Newkirk's world. Their investigation spans several years, and the film relies on recreations from time to time to illustrate the teams' personal experiences, but the look and feel - moody, dark and eerie - is consistent throughout. Watching this film leaves the viewer with a desire for more opportunities to travel into the Newkirks' world in search of answers - or at least insight - into the unexplainable.

source: The Unbinding

This is quite blatantly a scripted, fiction film, that is- for some reason- listed here as a "documentary". It's not. And is quite clear about that fact. That being said...the reasons for this become obvious when you learn who the filmmakers behind the project are: the husband and wife team of Greg and Dana Newkirk. A couple who run a museum and podcast dedicated to haunted objects, and stories about haunted objects. So...this is effectively just an elaborate marketing pitch, and call for you to send them your claimed to be haunted items for free...so they can put it in their museum, and make bank off it. Now...I do believe in haunted objects...I have a painting called "Evil Man", which has a demonic entity attached to it. So...I am by no means a skeptic. However...the story presented here- about an effigy found in the Catskills mountain, with nails driven into the eyes, that is said to be haunted a "Crone" type entity- is quite absurd. And backed by no evidence whatsoever...other than unfounded, unreliable, unreplicatable "ghost hunting" techniques that can easily be dismissed. As previously noted...when all is said and done, it's actually quite clear that the whole thing is scripted. They not only allude to this fact...but even poke fun at it. So, as a documentary...it has zero value. Though, as a mockumentary...you might argue it's cleverly done. That is...if you ignore that it's mainly a feature length commercial for themselves, and their museum. Acting as a desperate plea for you to send them your thought to be haunted objects. So it doesn't deserve anything more than a 2.5 out of 10. Which is being generous.

source: The Unbinding

I've never seen a documentary like this before. I was gripped from the beginning. It wasn't scary as such, more thought provoking I'd say. I wish there were more paranormal documentaries that had this much thought and detail put in to them. It was a visually stunning piece too. You can tell it was made with passion and care. It all added to the creepy vibe of it. I don't think I've seen a paranormal show like this. There's no jump scares and it feels like they're intentionally not trying to make you scared. It's creepy, but Greg and Dana treat the crone with so much respect. I've no doubt it was scary as hell in real life.

I am currently watching it a second time. The docu is well shot, has beautiful cinematography and a magical atmosphere. Greg ans Dana manage to show the world an alternative way of dealing with the paranormal - it doesn't have to be taunting spirits, burning artifacts or exorcism. With compassion and a deeper understanding of the paranormal world, we can all grow as a community. I loved the documentary, it's a job well done and can be eye opening, hopefully even for skeptics or religious people. Just give it a chance and go in open minded. I followed the live investigations that are shown in the docu and still couldn't anticipate where the journey was going to lead us.

To use John Tenney's phrase, The Unbinding is definitely for me. I was already a huge fan of the Newkirks and their work so I knew I would like this documentary, but I still wasn't ready for the journey they would take us on. Be prepared to feel all the feels. Gasps, chills, some wtf moments, and even a few laughs. Dana shines throughout and, as usual, provides the audience with some words of wisdom. You should also be ok to get out of your comfort zone. Don't expect the same ol' paranormal show antics because you won't find them here. Go in with an open mind and just experience the story being told to you. Sometimes the most important thing is the journey, not the destination.

Beautifully shot and carefully considered, the integrity and care of everyone involved shines through in this game-changing documentary. It starts with a truly chilling and spooky set of events, but doesn't end there. Through diligent research, skill, and intuition the team embark on a journey that should leave you questioning your own relationship to the strange and paranormal. The Newkirks have a brave and vulnerable way of sharing their journeys of growth with us. Their approach of using "curiosity over fear" feels very fresh in the paranormal world. These days, when confronted with something scary or paranormal, I find myself asking, "What would the Newkirks do?"

Once again Planet Weird is dominating the paranormal community with more thought provoking content. If you're tired of the worn out cliche ghost bro content this is definitely for you. This documentary will make you really think about what haunted objects really are. Beautiful cinematography and directing by Karl Pfeiffer, beautiful musical scores, beautiful and thoughtful insight from Greg, Dana, and Tyler. If you enjoyed Hellier you will love this. This amazing group of film makers continues to push the "norms" of paranormal media. If you want mindless repetitive cliche paranormal go turn on discovery channel. If you want to have your current beliefs and ideas about the paranormal challenged this is definitely the content you have been waiting for.