I Survived BTK

Synopsis

I Survived BTK follows Charlie Otero, who as a teenager discovered the bodies of his parents and two younger siblings after returning home from school on January 15, 1974. Thirty years later his familys murderer, the BTK serial killer, was discovered and brought to justice. The movie chronicles Charlies search for the truth about that day and his attempts to reconcile with the past.

Reception

Critical reviews for I Survived BTK were mixed, with the Documentary Channel blog saying "Ultimately, while I Survived BTK summons up some scary stuff, from the very real possibility that anyone’s life can be suddenly changed at the hands of a serial killer to the more supernatural ideas of voodoo and karmic retribution, it’s a fairly positive and hopeful documentary considering its subject matter." The London FrightFests blog called the film "a genuinely disturbing piece of work."

Columnist/writer, Remy Carreiro, stated "I Survived BTK is a documentary that shines a light on ...one example of some very bad things happening to some good people, for no good reason. The film acts like a punch to the gut, and every time you catch your breath, the movie hits you again. Paleo Retiree described the documentary as "undeniably powerful" and "a rarity".

The Pitch wrote that "there are amazing moments in Levitzs documentary" but that "the film lags after Rader is sentenced to life in prison without parole and Charlie goes back to his search for a normal life." Twitch Film stated that the film felt "incomplete" and that it "succeeds its journalistic ethical test, but would have greatly benefited from a more refined post-production."

Dread Centrals "EvilAndy" wrote that the movie was by "no means a terrible documentary" but that it was ultimately disappointing due to elements such as "weak explanations." The San Francisco Bay Guardian stated that the film "would merit further discussion if it didnt wobble between tabloid TV and home movie — all the while raising serious questions it doesnt address, or perhaps even notice."

Screenings

The film screened at several film festivals, including the 2010 Fantasia International Film Festival and the 2008 Milan International Film Festival.

Accolades

In 2012, I Survived BTK was considered for multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming, and Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming. I Survived BTK was also shortlisted for Exceptional Merit In Documentary Filmmaking that same year.