It took Canadian filmmaker Frederick Kroetsch 10 years to reach his original goal of creating reality TV out of his subject, wrestler Teddy Hart, but when he finally did, the film became as much about Kroetsch's journey as it did Hart's trainwreck life. In my mind, Kroetsch succeeded in telling both fascinating stories and rewarded our patience with that tragic almost-anticipated twist at the end. I know absolutely nothing about wrestling, pro, amateur or otherwise, but it becomes clear that the women in Hart's life are both enablers and victims, often at the same time. I feel sorry for the family legacy Hart shamed, the women he destroyed, I even feel sorry for the cats, but Kroetsch is, I suspect, a better filmmaker and a better man for the experience. It's sad he could not uncover whatever happened to Samantha Fiddler, she and her family deserved better than that arrogant weasel. I'm glad the project finally reached a screen and I enjoyed it very much.
18 Reviews
As insightful about the filmmaker's journey as its ostensible subject
tobiwalker30 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
They did it
nano-nana25 November 2022
I viewed this documentary, as I was under the impression it was about Mersh's investigations into the seedy aspects of humanity, dealing with death, murder, rape, and cats. However, I did not receive what I expected; instead I was met with a dreamlike narrative of non-sequitur content, which is extremely engrossing. It is essentially a compilation of stock footage, intercut with interviews that are seemly about subjects unrelated to its title or description.
For an example of the abovementioned dreamlike structure: Early in the first episode, after footage of a forested area with some figures walking about, we transition with sped up footage of a metropolitan area going from night to day, and then are shown a short interview with a fat woman describing her finances. Following this, we cut again to what I can only assume is stock footage and transition again to more stock footage, and again to an interview, this time concerning the dangers of everyday objects. This same scene-transition-interview-scene-transition pattern is followed almost to a tee. Most of the show is--apart from the interviews--unnervingly silent.
Through the ambiguous meaning of this artistic masterpiece, it provides something interesting for all that endure it. I could watch the entire three episode series dozens of times and come away with something different each time.
The most interesting part of this documentary comes in the third episode when, in the last few minutes of the entire show, Mersh is finally shown in all of his glory. His small part in the documentary is especially evocative because of his jovial--perhaps even gay--nature, as well as his gaudy--perhaps even gay--attire. The entire segment featuring him could, and should be, watched frame-by-frame, the viewer making mental and/or physical note of all the nuances in his performance. With his every movement and utterance an entire work comparable to any great artist's oeuvre is produced.
I went into this viewing experience expecting Mersh to appear consistently throughout the episodes, and though I was disappointed by the lack of him in 98.33% of entire series, I nevertheless watched what could be the best short series of this decade. This documentary is a masterpiece of subversive art, showing how even the mundane and unimportant matters of life is, in itself, a story. I applaud Fred Kroetsch and NBC for their bravery in releasing this surreal and enigmatic "documentary" and look forward to what they provide in the future.
For an example of the abovementioned dreamlike structure: Early in the first episode, after footage of a forested area with some figures walking about, we transition with sped up footage of a metropolitan area going from night to day, and then are shown a short interview with a fat woman describing her finances. Following this, we cut again to what I can only assume is stock footage and transition again to more stock footage, and again to an interview, this time concerning the dangers of everyday objects. This same scene-transition-interview-scene-transition pattern is followed almost to a tee. Most of the show is--apart from the interviews--unnervingly silent.
Through the ambiguous meaning of this artistic masterpiece, it provides something interesting for all that endure it. I could watch the entire three episode series dozens of times and come away with something different each time.
The most interesting part of this documentary comes in the third episode when, in the last few minutes of the entire show, Mersh is finally shown in all of his glory. His small part in the documentary is especially evocative because of his jovial--perhaps even gay--nature, as well as his gaudy--perhaps even gay--attire. The entire segment featuring him could, and should be, watched frame-by-frame, the viewer making mental and/or physical note of all the nuances in his performance. With his every movement and utterance an entire work comparable to any great artist's oeuvre is produced.
I went into this viewing experience expecting Mersh to appear consistently throughout the episodes, and though I was disappointed by the lack of him in 98.33% of entire series, I nevertheless watched what could be the best short series of this decade. This documentary is a masterpiece of subversive art, showing how even the mundane and unimportant matters of life is, in itself, a story. I applaud Fred Kroetsch and NBC for their bravery in releasing this surreal and enigmatic "documentary" and look forward to what they provide in the future.
hope they find Samantha Fiddler
Protecious22 November 2022
Absolutely stellar 3 part documentary that was filmed for a decade following Teddy Hart, what a narcissist evil vile lying thieving scumbag. It amazes me how long this guy has gotten away with all of his horrible crimes.
As a documentary it is truly magnificent because the man making this documentary gets sucked into a whirlwind of absolute insane behavior by Teddy.
It gets more dramatic and bizarre as it goes along which makes it super compelling.
I am a huge wrestling fan and that aspect of it was also interesting to me.
I truly hope there will be justice for all of the innocent people that this piece of garbage has destroyed.
10/10.
As a documentary it is truly magnificent because the man making this documentary gets sucked into a whirlwind of absolute insane behavior by Teddy.
It gets more dramatic and bizarre as it goes along which makes it super compelling.
I am a huge wrestling fan and that aspect of it was also interesting to me.
I truly hope there will be justice for all of the innocent people that this piece of garbage has destroyed.
10/10.
A long overdue documentary
tknightusmc27 November 2022
Being a fan of wrestling, and in recent years, the Indie scene of wrestling, Teddy Hart's name was thrown around here and there and I never quite paid much mind to him. It wasn't until 2019 that he was in an affair with wrestler Maria Manic, and their YouTube channel was gaining equal parts views and infamy. Then at the start of 2020, an interview on Nightwave Radio (a podcast I have supported since) made me more curious about Teddy Hart. Needless to say, the YouTube channel combined with the discussion from "Mersh" definitely caught my eye.
Once this documentary was announced, I was all in on learning everything known about the self proclaimed "Greatest Wrestler of all time". A guy who used the name of one of his deceased uncles (Owen Hart) as a Patreon Tier when he needed money. A guy who bedazzled a Rolls Royce, who bought pink & black beanie babies at a 7/11 and said on camera that he would sell them as exclusive Bret "Hitman" Hart items.
Watch this documentary though. End the mystery. Try to help find Samantha Fiddler.
Once this documentary was announced, I was all in on learning everything known about the self proclaimed "Greatest Wrestler of all time". A guy who used the name of one of his deceased uncles (Owen Hart) as a Patreon Tier when he needed money. A guy who bedazzled a Rolls Royce, who bought pink & black beanie babies at a 7/11 and said on camera that he would sell them as exclusive Bret "Hitman" Hart items.
Watch this documentary though. End the mystery. Try to help find Samantha Fiddler.
It's too repetitive and the filmmaker has made himself an unwanted component
cparousis-3061530 November 2022
The curse of this generation and of modern day documentarians. They make themselves a key component of the subject's life as well as making themselves a key component of their film. The film series is too repetitive. I feel a lot of this is put on for the cameras. Enough with the documentarian saying "I worked so hard on this project". No one cares. It could have been way better if the singular focus was on Teddy's lunatic ways and the crimes he is accused of committing. Much like Tiger King, it's loses. Steam very quickly. It would have been thrown in the heap of stupid reality shows if someone bought it. Not worth watching.
Like a car crash you can't turn away from
jessicadavis-2590928 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not a film school graduate or even a wrestling fanatic, I am , however , intrigued by the seedy underbelly of wrestling and watching rampant narcissistic/megalomaniacal characters at work . And this is most definitely that ! It was clear to me in the first five minutes of watching that this Teddy guy just HAD to be a disgrace to his family's wrestling dynasty and probably professional wrestling in general. I was tickled by the added meow factor with the so called "show cat" "breeding and training " , why does it seem like all good villains have cats ? Haha 😆 Anyway , I absolutely believe the womens account's of his abuse , anybody with half a brain could watch the footage and see how highly toxic and manipulative teddy is . My heart goes out to Samathas family , she seemed like a sweet girl who crossed paths with the wrong man . He definitely knows more than he is letting on , to me, his recent interviews showcased a person who was on some heavy drugs . But I could be wrong , weed can be pretty strong nowadays too ... but he just seemed so erratic. Either way , it kept my attention for the entire 3 episodes. I do hope at some point, that family finds closure , what a tragedy .
How NOT to make a docu-series
jerrycoliver27 November 2022
So I had the fortune of time to watch a documentary and a docu-series this long weekend....and I just had to shake my head at both of them.
Just for reference, I taught documentary film making for several years, I've been working in film, television and advertising for 20 years now. So when I talk about documentaries, I'm not just looking at it for entertainment value as most user reviews. So some of the things that bother me, might not bother you.
First off, knowing some of this was shot over 10 years ago with a minimal budget, the post-production processing is great. The director was moving from news tv to documentary, and he had some nice lighting set ups early on. So many props to him.
The subject matter is stellar. The whole persona and history of Teddy Hart is veryy compelling. He is absolutely a character and that's why I watched the series, because something that unique, even in a bad docu-series is entertaining.
It really all falls apart after that.
First off, the director puts himself into the documentary, which by definition makes it investigative journalism not a documentary. (If you're influencing the film or show and producing it, you simply can't say you're documenting it, you're an active part of it.) I understand this is common. I also understand it can be very entertaining for example, Michael Moore, Kevin Spurlock and recently Matt Walsh. This director, however, is not compelling, rather he's just whining and complaining. He feels sorry for himself more than he assists the story.
If you take out the director, you have a, for the most part, a very solid documentary, however, they went for more money and made a series. So when it feels like it's dragging on, and they're repeating things and giving you information that is pointless....that's because they're trying to fill time. It hurts the product.
Now the main point of the series is the missing girlfriend (Samantha Fiddler), who we don't even meet until 15 minutes into episode 2. Now, with respect, the investigative journalism is lacking. You walk away saying "There's a lot of speculation...but there actually isn't any proof." I'm not defending Hart or his associates, they're pretty crummy, but the girlfriend wasn't a saint and could easily have been mixed up with other people (which is something the director never explores. He seems committed to prove it was Teddy, rather than being open minded exploring different avenues.) So there's no resolution, you're just screaming "What is your obsession with this guy, go look for evidence."
Lastly, I have to criticize the director. This is someone who does not have the personality and leadership traits to do these types of documentaries. He's a sad, dishonest, pathetic person. (My opinion.)
Sad, because he seems more fixated on wallowing in his own self-pity than his documentary. (He literally asks people "Do you think my documentary caused all this?"...dude, get over yourself and do your job.)
Dishonest, because in spite of the fact of his wanting to feel sorry for himself, he certainly seemed eager to get shots of the girls naked and exploit them.
Pathetic, because any producer or director knows, you can't let the talent walk all over you or push things in the direction they want it to go. The director is a pushover. That's why his reality show didn't get made. Executives saw he was weak and despite the compelling subject, they knew he was getting pushed around. That's why there's no evidence of any crime in his footage, because he wasn't asking the right questions, he was just doing what Teddy told him to do. He even admits he was "under Teddy's spell"...yeah because he was so desperate and pathetic he couldn't command the situation.
If you're a wrestling fan, I imagine this is good stuff. If you love crime docu-series and can't find anything else (I would honestly suggest, the first 48 or forensic files before this, but whatever) I can see value. Otherwise, you'll be disappointed.
Also, very strange, but literally in the last 3 minutes they present this one guy and try to make you think he had something to do with the murder. I had to research him, but it was really, really dishonest. They present him like a republican, white-supremacist (maybe he is, IDK, but none of that had anything to do with his involvement.) I watched the podcast they referenced, and he's accusing Teddy Hart of the murder, and frankly doing a much better job at asking questions about the murder than the director of this series and he even lays out evidence. So I kind of feel like the director wanted to put something on him because that podcast was far more interesting this series.
Just for reference, I taught documentary film making for several years, I've been working in film, television and advertising for 20 years now. So when I talk about documentaries, I'm not just looking at it for entertainment value as most user reviews. So some of the things that bother me, might not bother you.
First off, knowing some of this was shot over 10 years ago with a minimal budget, the post-production processing is great. The director was moving from news tv to documentary, and he had some nice lighting set ups early on. So many props to him.
The subject matter is stellar. The whole persona and history of Teddy Hart is veryy compelling. He is absolutely a character and that's why I watched the series, because something that unique, even in a bad docu-series is entertaining.
It really all falls apart after that.
First off, the director puts himself into the documentary, which by definition makes it investigative journalism not a documentary. (If you're influencing the film or show and producing it, you simply can't say you're documenting it, you're an active part of it.) I understand this is common. I also understand it can be very entertaining for example, Michael Moore, Kevin Spurlock and recently Matt Walsh. This director, however, is not compelling, rather he's just whining and complaining. He feels sorry for himself more than he assists the story.
If you take out the director, you have a, for the most part, a very solid documentary, however, they went for more money and made a series. So when it feels like it's dragging on, and they're repeating things and giving you information that is pointless....that's because they're trying to fill time. It hurts the product.
Now the main point of the series is the missing girlfriend (Samantha Fiddler), who we don't even meet until 15 minutes into episode 2. Now, with respect, the investigative journalism is lacking. You walk away saying "There's a lot of speculation...but there actually isn't any proof." I'm not defending Hart or his associates, they're pretty crummy, but the girlfriend wasn't a saint and could easily have been mixed up with other people (which is something the director never explores. He seems committed to prove it was Teddy, rather than being open minded exploring different avenues.) So there's no resolution, you're just screaming "What is your obsession with this guy, go look for evidence."
Lastly, I have to criticize the director. This is someone who does not have the personality and leadership traits to do these types of documentaries. He's a sad, dishonest, pathetic person. (My opinion.)
Sad, because he seems more fixated on wallowing in his own self-pity than his documentary. (He literally asks people "Do you think my documentary caused all this?"...dude, get over yourself and do your job.)
Dishonest, because in spite of the fact of his wanting to feel sorry for himself, he certainly seemed eager to get shots of the girls naked and exploit them.
Pathetic, because any producer or director knows, you can't let the talent walk all over you or push things in the direction they want it to go. The director is a pushover. That's why his reality show didn't get made. Executives saw he was weak and despite the compelling subject, they knew he was getting pushed around. That's why there's no evidence of any crime in his footage, because he wasn't asking the right questions, he was just doing what Teddy told him to do. He even admits he was "under Teddy's spell"...yeah because he was so desperate and pathetic he couldn't command the situation.
If you're a wrestling fan, I imagine this is good stuff. If you love crime docu-series and can't find anything else (I would honestly suggest, the first 48 or forensic files before this, but whatever) I can see value. Otherwise, you'll be disappointed.
Also, very strange, but literally in the last 3 minutes they present this one guy and try to make you think he had something to do with the murder. I had to research him, but it was really, really dishonest. They present him like a republican, white-supremacist (maybe he is, IDK, but none of that had anything to do with his involvement.) I watched the podcast they referenced, and he's accusing Teddy Hart of the murder, and frankly doing a much better job at asking questions about the murder than the director of this series and he even lays out evidence. So I kind of feel like the director wanted to put something on him because that podcast was far more interesting this series.
Could have been great
IhaveKandy2 December 2022
What an absolute misfire. The story telling in this show is so muddled and convoluted. It's like they're just throwing in stuff to fill time. I can see how with the material they had to work with it could have been great, but it has been horribly executed. You had a genuinely interesting story and failed to make something that captures the attention of the viewer.
And that trailer... wow... just bad. Why are you trying to make this look like it's Tiger King when it's so far from it. As a true crime fan, I was very confused as to what the trailer was trying to sell me. I think the trailer perfectly incapsulated the hodgepodge execution that was the series.
And that trailer... wow... just bad. Why are you trying to make this look like it's Tiger King when it's so far from it. As a true crime fan, I was very confused as to what the trailer was trying to sell me. I think the trailer perfectly incapsulated the hodgepodge execution that was the series.
I loved it
jdm-9348423 November 2022
I really enjoyed watching this. Great drama, wrestling, and crime. A very entertaining mix.
Teddy Hart has been on my radar for a few years. He is not a good guy. I am not sure if he killed Sam, but I am sure he could have. I really felt for Sam's family. They seem like genuinely good people and it was kinda hard to see their pain I just hope this does not help Teddy Hart get more bookings for more money. I would hate to think he benefitted from this whole messed up situation.
Also, it was pretty cool to see Mersh in this. He has a couple talk shows, Revenge of the CIS and Nightwave. Both shows are worth checking out.
Teddy Hart has been on my radar for a few years. He is not a good guy. I am not sure if he killed Sam, but I am sure he could have. I really felt for Sam's family. They seem like genuinely good people and it was kinda hard to see their pain I just hope this does not help Teddy Hart get more bookings for more money. I would hate to think he benefitted from this whole messed up situation.
Also, it was pretty cool to see Mersh in this. He has a couple talk shows, Revenge of the CIS and Nightwave. Both shows are worth checking out.
Why does this exist?
anjay-1729523 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Get this show off the air. It seems scripted and somewhat phony. I am not a fan of Teddy Hart, nor had I heard of him before but some of the facts don't make sense and the producer is trying too hard to clear his conscious. I really didn't like his justification for continuing to witness inappropriate behavior. Especially seeing the students paying for training that didn't exist. If the story is true, yes, clearly Teddy Hart has issues. But the producer didn't intervene. I really hope Samantha is okay but she has all the tools to recover, by tools, I mean intelligence. Can we say Embassy? This was a waste of film, a pull on every current social issue, and a bad production for no reason. It would have been better to focus on Samantha and not Teddy.
Where is Mersh?
andysedits27 November 2022
As a long-time Mersh fan, I was personally recommended by him to watch this documentary. I was told he would be heavily featured here and that they had paid him considerable money to star in and promote this documentary. Imagine my shock when I watched this show and there's no Mersh anywhere. As a long time fan and representative of the Nightwave community, I can speak for all of us when I say that we are very unhappy with all the cut Mersh footage. Release all, unedited Mersh footage to Youtube and we will all upvote you. Otherwise, suffer under the 1 star reviews from the Nightwave community!
A huge letdown...
callermikemersh30 November 2022
As others have mentioned, I had Huge Hollywood expectations of this. I was told this would be the biggest documentary of the year. When I heard my boy Mike Mersh became Hollywood and was appearing in this title, I gave him my entire disability check for the month. I thought Mersh would be appearing in all 3 parts, but instead it was just 3 minutes.
Mersh brought the entire case together though... Noir Mersh brought the entire case together, was really close to having Teddy admitting to the Nightwave Audience he did it. Perhaps if Mersh was featured more heavily, like the time he featured Dough Stanhope, Teddy Hart would be in prison now.
Frederick Kroetsch YOU'RE DONE!
Mersh brought the entire case together though... Noir Mersh brought the entire case together, was really close to having Teddy admitting to the Nightwave Audience he did it. Perhaps if Mersh was featured more heavily, like the time he featured Dough Stanhope, Teddy Hart would be in prison now.
Frederick Kroetsch YOU'RE DONE!
Worse than a beemer from 2009
terrorsperg23 November 2022
I came into this with big 'Hollywood' expectations. The story drags out slower than a busted up beemer from the late 2000s. Teddy Hart is clearly a psychopath, but sometimes I swear he's a cross-eyed, Cobra Kai bro like me; AKA kinda cool.
I'm a big wrestling/gas station guy, and the skimpy outfits were a plus. At the very least, you get some banana hammock eye candy, but my triangle of hope was fleeting and it quickly became apparent that this sucker ain't gonna be paying the rents for nobody. Kapish?
I got so bored I started checking my couch cushions for McDonalds money. Then I peeled myself off the pleather, fed my cats, and said goodnight to the bad guy (AKA my bald spot).
In summary, this was painful and the filmmaker comes off as a bit of a d-head. Even if it were a podcast it would be awful, but at least old Mersh of Nightwave radio gots his 15 minutes of fame (technically less than 3).
As far as this daddy-o is concerned, the money grubbing soul merchants who buttered this up with the promise of stardom and spit it out into the toilet, really screwed the pooch (or cat). It was used, perused, and I counted 1 finger as 2. Nightwaver, out!
I'm a big wrestling/gas station guy, and the skimpy outfits were a plus. At the very least, you get some banana hammock eye candy, but my triangle of hope was fleeting and it quickly became apparent that this sucker ain't gonna be paying the rents for nobody. Kapish?
I got so bored I started checking my couch cushions for McDonalds money. Then I peeled myself off the pleather, fed my cats, and said goodnight to the bad guy (AKA my bald spot).
In summary, this was painful and the filmmaker comes off as a bit of a d-head. Even if it were a podcast it would be awful, but at least old Mersh of Nightwave radio gots his 15 minutes of fame (technically less than 3).
As far as this daddy-o is concerned, the money grubbing soul merchants who buttered this up with the promise of stardom and spit it out into the toilet, really screwed the pooch (or cat). It was used, perused, and I counted 1 finger as 2. Nightwaver, out!
NIGHTWAVE RIGHT WING ALERT
dialysismersh25 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I wouldn't be surprised if the right wing so called comedian in the last 3 mins of the " film" had something to do with it. The guy Mike schiele appeared sick and sweaty as if he had a real guilty conscience. Something about the guy just didn't sit well with me , not for nothing but for a comedian I didn't find him funny just suspicious. I did some research and found there was a documentary about him called terrorsperg done by porsalin(please do pt.3)also check out r/Mersh that will tell you all you need to know about this antisemite schiele! How revolting, once again not your best work Mersh.
NOT a Teddy Hart documentary
Fat_cats_stack_cash25 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
If you could call this a documentary, it would be of Frederick, the director, who failed at developing a successful reality tv series. The guy had to do SOMETHING with all this footage he gathered, and then stumbled upon a missing person case. Everything is so disjointed. Yes, Teddy Hart is a disgusting sociopath of a human being. Yes, Teddy Hart is an interesting topic for a documentary, because he comes from a well established wrestling family, and he's ultimately failed at establishing himself. However, that's not what this docuseries fully discovers. This series is about the director. He has inserted himself into every aspect of this "documentary." It's about HIS failure to produce anything worthwhile. This becomes less about Teddy Hart and more about his missing girlfriend, pointing the finger solely at Teddy Hart midway through. That's not a documentary. It's more investigative journalism from an unreliable source.
Overall, it was boring.
Overall, it was boring.
That's it?
viktorvaughn-1615325 November 2022
I invested alot of time watching this 3 part "documentary" (being bored through most of it) all for it to climax with a cross eyed right wing spinster muttering incoherent plugs for his "show" probably no one listens to. Absolute garbage. This entire project could've and should've been left on the cutting room floor of ideas. I always suspected the wrestling world to be......non hetero, but WOW the extent of it surely is highlighted here. Everyone involved seems like a drug addicted nobody doing whatever they can for the smallest morsel of so called fame. Well, i guess take your 15 seconds but this was NOT GOOD.
8 mile... more like 8 minutes
TheZenRhino26 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I haven't seen this level of disrespect to my best friend and favorite spinster mersh since that shop ruined his beemer, y'all know what I did to those jokers, verbally destroyed them like a cougar at millers ale house. Anyway skip to episode three of this fable and fast forward to the final eight minutes (includes the end credits) and enjoy. Now mersh might look sweaty or wet here, I assure you it's because he just completed a brisk stroll around that lake by jasmine homes apartments while hauling a back pack loaded with military grade plates like that odd fella James sorenstone.
Zen rhino out.
Zen rhino out.
I'm sorry I watched this.
evebandler22 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The main character of this story is so vile, repugnant, and obviously guilty of so much horrendous behavior towards women, despite no convictions. After watching this, which I did in the hopes of a satisfactory resolution which never came, I felt dirty and soiled. Simply because I entered his world by watching. The filmmaker seems like a nice and smart guy, but it's hard for me to understand how he could not have seen the real reality, immediately, on day one. Finally, it's a tragic story. Not only because of the obvious abuse, but also because so many women damaged enough to put up with this.
See also
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