The True Story Behind the Documentary Film 'THE DEVIL ON TRIAL' Netflix, Check out the following facts!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Rachel Carisa Oswandi

The trial case of “The Devil Made Me Do It” or the Arne Johnson Case that shocked the US media is brought back by Netflix in the form of a documentary film entitled THE DEVIL ON TRIAL. Previously, this case was also brought up in a horror film entitled THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT (2021). In the documentary version, Netflix invites viewers to delve deeper into the “The Devil Made Me Do It” case by presenting real possession recordings, the chronology of the murder, and direct interviews with the perpetrator's relative, David Glatzel.

The documentary THE DEVIL ON TRIAL tells a true story that took place in 1981. Where for the first time in the history of the United States, demonic possession was used as a defense in a murder trial. Quoted from Liputan6.com, based on TIME's report, the trial that took place in Brookfield, Connecticut highlights a 19-year-old man named Arne Cheyenne Johnson who used possession as a defense against the murder charges he committed against his landlord, Alan Bono.

However, the judge decided to reject Johnson's defense because the claim could not be verified, and Johnson was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder, from which he was released 5 years later. Until now, Johnson still maintains that he is innocent and there are still many unanswered mysteries in this case. To answer the questions from the lingering mysteries, Netflix presents this 1-hour documentary film that was released on October 17, 2023. Come on, let's see what the documentary film THE DEVIL ON TRIAL is like below!

1. Initiated by David Glatzel's Possession

Film Poster THE DEVIL ON TRIAL (imdb.com)

The documentary film directed by Christopher Holt not only seeks the common thread in the case of 'The Devil Made Me Do It' trial. Netflix also highlights the supernatural experiences of the Glatzel family, which became the root of Arne Johnson's possession at that time. 

Arne Johnson's brother-in-law, David Glatzel, experienced possession when he was only 11 years old. A series of supernatural events began when he and his family moved into the new house owned by Johnson and Debbie. Over time, David began to exhibit strange behavior accompanied by severe supernatural disturbances experienced by all the occupants of the house. Ed and Lorraine Warren, famous demonologists who had previously dealt with supernatural cases in Amityville and Long Island, were called by the Glatzel family to address the supernatural disturbances they were facing.

2. Interviewed Witnesses and Cast

Still Frame from THE DEVIL ON TRIAL (imdb.com)

The film, based on a true story that took place in the 80s, features several key witnesses who had direct connections to the defendant. In addition to David Glatzel, who is the main focus of the film, he is also accompanied by his relatives who also experienced supernatural events at that time, namely Carl Glatzel and Alan Glatzel. 

In addition to several real witnesses, this documentary film also features several actresses and actors to recreate the events of that time. They include Hannah Mae Beatty, Foster Hamilton, Adam Hunt, Kathy Rupcic, Victor Serfaty, Susannah Spearin, and Raine Van Elsacker.

3. Director Believes in the Glatzel Story

Still Frame THE DEVIL ON TRIAL (imdb.com)

The trial case of "The Devil Made Me Do It" has been adapted into various forms of art, ranging from books to films. For example, there is a film called THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT directed by Michael Chaves, and a book titled THE DEVIL IN CONNECTICUT written by Gerald Brittel. 

This film, directed by Christopher Holt, is the first work based on the case where the individuals directly involved in the incident are present to tell their stories. Christopher mentioned that although the documentary presents a complex narrative, the experiences of everyone involved are authentic. 

"There are people who lie," said Christopher. "But I sat with David, Arne, Alan, and Carl for hours, and their stories never changed. I believe they told me the truth — but it is their interpretation of the truth rather than documented facts. However, they believe — and I also believe — that what they say is honest,” said the director quoted from Netflix's official website.

4. Facts of the Murder Incident

Still Frame THE DEVIL ON TRIAL (imdb.com)

Quoted from msn.com, on February 16, 1981, 19-year-old Arne Johnson, along with his girlfriend Debbie Glatzel and her siblings, had lunch with their boss and the owner of Debbie's house, Alan Bono. They had eaten pizza and had drinks before Bono became very drunk.

Johnson was uncomfortable with the way Bono behaved, so he told Debbie and her siblings to just leave. But when they were about to leave, Bono grabbed one of Johnson's siblings and refused to let go. This led to an argument, a physical fight, and Johnson repeatedly stabbed Bono to death.

Johnson then fled into the woods and was believed to be heading towards his family's house, but was later stopped by the police and arrested. He pleaded not guilty to the horrifying murder and claimed that he was under the influence of demonic forces.

(kpl/rcl)