Review of ‘American Nightmare’ Deemed As Real Gone Gone Case is on Netflix Now

American Nightmare stands out as a riveting series that brings to life the harrowing experiences of a Californian couple who fell victim to a terrifying home invasion in 2015. Directed by Felicity Morris and Bernadette Higgins, the series unfolds the disturbing events surrounding Aaron Quinn and Denise Huskins, offering viewers a chilling glimpse into the darkest corners of human depravity. The series recounts the events of that fateful night in 2015 when the couple’s lives took a terrifying turn.

In the dead of night, at 3 am, the couple was abruptly awakened by an intruder donned in a wetsuit. What followed was a nightmare of epic proportions – the couple was bound with gaffer tape and blindfolded. 

Huskins uttered: “I remember being asleep and hearing a voice and thinking it was a dream… But the voice kept talking and I just remember my eyes shot open and I could see the walls illuminated with a white light that was flashing and I could see a couple of red laser dots crossing the wall, and I could hear, ‘Wake up, this is a robbery. We’re not here to hurt you. And in that moment, I just thought, ‘Oh my God. This is not a dream.’”

A chilling recorded message through headphones forewarned them of impending sedation with drugs. The intruder, shrouded in anonymity, kidnapped Huskins, leaving Quinn and the audience in a state of shock and disbelief.

The series’ heart lies in the subsequent investigation into this heinous crime and the unraveling of events that ensued. The narrative serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within the sanctity of one’s home and the importance of remaining vigilant about personal safety.

Directors Felicity Morris and Bernadette Higgins exhibit mastery in visual storytelling, utilizing cinematography to create an atmosphere of unease and tension. The series makes strategic use of lighting and camera angles, enhancing the overall viewing experience and underscoring the gravity of the events portrayed.

The initial response of the police to Denise Huskins’ kidnapping adds a layer of complexity and controversy to the already chilling narrative of American Nightmare. The Vallejo Police Department’s handling of the case was not only perplexing but also deeply troubling, as they initially accused the victims, Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn, of fabricating the entire kidnapping incident.

The police’s reference to the case as a Gone Girl scenario, insinuating that the couple had staged the abduction akin to the plot of the popular psychological thriller, set the tone for a misguided investigation. Detective Mat Mustard’s lengthy interrogation of Aaron Quinn, during which he suggested Quinn’s involvement in Huskins’ murder, only intensified the distress of the already traumatized victim.

Furthermore, the outright denial by the police of any evidence supporting the couple’s claims marked a stark departure from the supportive and protective role one would expect from law enforcement. The dismissive stance not only jeopardized the ongoing investigation but also fueled public skepticism, leading to a wasteful allocation of police resources.

The fallout from the police’s initial response was severe and multifaceted. Denise Huskins, already a victim of a horrifying crime, found herself further victimized by law enforcement’s accusations. The public, witnessing the ordeal unfold, began to question the competence and sensitivity of the police handling the case.

It was only when the actual perpetrator, Matthew Muller, was arrested and subsequently convicted that the truth came to light. The police apologizing to Denise Huskins for wrongly labeling her ordeal a hoax was a belated acknowledgment of their egregious error. The revelation of Muller’s guilt not only exonerated the victims but also underscored the need for a reevaluation of the initial investigation.