In late summer of 2021, the whole world was captivated by a woman that was declared missing after her fiancé Brian Laundrie returned home without her from a months-long road trip and her family and friends not hearing from her for weeks. This woman was Gabby Petito. When she was found deceased, police ruled it as a homicide.

The world was even more captivated, especially by his reasoning and the major outcomes of the case. This case not only showed the dark truth of the “happy” couple from Gabby’s vlogs but also the realities of domestic violence. It’s been four years since this case happened, but now Netflix has released The Gabby Petito Story, which outlines her life, her relationship with Brian, and the events that led to her tragic death.

It not only reexamines the case from a fresher perspective, but it also raises the question about the media coverage on cases, how social media plays into it, and also the broader implications for someone going missing.

This documentary covers the life of Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old woman who went missing during a cross-country road trip with her fiancé Brian Laundrie. This documentary was released on February 17, 2025, on the streaming service Netflix.

This film is structured around real-life footage such as the body cam footage from the police, social media posts, text messages, and journal entries that help reconstruct the events that led to her tragic death and reveal new information about how she felt and acted toward Brian.

This documentary also shows the dark truth behind Brian and Gabby’s relationship and what really went on behind the camera. It really shows how the public played a huge role in the case and how social media can get information such as missing cases.

Documentary structure and approach 

The way this documentary was formatted was through a chronological narrative, investigative structure, and personal footage. Through a chronological narrative, they start it off with Gabby’s life, such as her childhood and all the hardships she faced during that time.

This also shows her relationship with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. It then moves into the timeline of her disappearance, along with the search efforts and the aftermath. Through an investigative structure, this series deep dives into her investigation that showcases police reports, body camera footage, and the interviews that took place with law enforcement officers, friends, and family.

This gives some insight into the investigation process and how this all unfolds. Lastly, through personal footage, this documentary inputs a lot of personal video footage taken by Gabby on social media and her YouTube channel. This footage was meant to portray her as a person and highlight her relationship with Brian and her long road trip. These videos give insight into her life, and they provide an emotional weight to the story.

By showcasing the toxic elements of Gabby’s relationship with Brian, the film emphasizes the signs of domestic violence that often go unrecognized or unaddressed, especially in young relationships. The documentary seeks to educate viewers about the subtle red flags that can be easily dismissed. In addition to this, it provides clarity regarding the timeline of Gabby’s disappearance, showing how law enforcement handled the case and how public opinion and media coverage influenced the investigation.

Furthermore, the documentary highlights who Gabby was as a person—her vibrant presence, her dreams, and her aspirations—thus honoring her legacy and showing viewers a side of her beyond the headlines.

This documentary also explores the issue of domestic violence, using Gabby’s relationship with Brian as a focal point. Through their interactions, viewers gain insight into the emotional and physical abuse Gabby may have endured, further highlighting the importance of recognizing the signs of abuse in relationships.

The #FindGabby social media campaign, which gained significant traction during the search for her, played a crucial role in spreading awareness about her disappearance. The documentary captures the way in which social media can both inform the public and engage law enforcement while also showcasing the broader implications for missing person cases and how they are handled today. 

The documentary also focuses on Gabby’s family and their emotional journey through grief and justice. It portrays their pain, frustration, and heartache as they navigated the legal system, seeking answers for Gabby’s untimely death.

Their fight for justice and their commitment to honoring Gabby’s memory are powerful elements of the film. Through interviews with her family, viewers can see the profound impact Gabby’s death had on those who loved her, and it underscores the importance of their advocacy in pushing for accountability.

One of the most compelling aspects of American Murder: Gabby Petito is the new information it uncovers about Gabby’s life and relationship. The documentary provides viewers with details that had not been widely shared before, such as her text messages with friends and family and more intimate journal entries.

These new insights offer a more nuanced perspective on Gabby’s relationship with Brian, allowing viewers to understand the emotional and psychological toll that the relationship may have taken on her. Additionally, the investigative structure of the documentary presents a fresh perspective on how law enforcement handled the case, offering viewers a closer look at the investigation process.

The documentary has sparked widespread discussion about the media’s role in covering missing person cases. It has raised questions about how social media can both help and hinder investigations and whether the public’s fascination with true crime cases can sometimes overshadow the human aspect of these tragedies.

Reviews of the documentary highlight how it brings attention to the broader issue of domestic violence and the systemic challenges victims face when seeking help. The case has also prompted changes in how law enforcement handles missing persons cases, with greater emphasis on timeliness, transparency, and public engagement.

The release of this documentary has encouraged viewers to reflect on the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence and missing persons. In Gabby’s name, various organizations  have worked to support victims of domestic abuse and provide resources for those in need.

The film inspires viewers to take action, whether by supporting domestic violence prevention programs or getting involved in organizations that help missing persons. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of taking action when someone goes missing and ensuring that the voice of victims is heard and addressed.

Watching this documentary helps people to feel more connected to the case and understand more about it. The way the series was filmed really helps to show the story of Gabby Petito. All of the evidence included, like the text messages between Gabby and her boyfriend, helps to give the viewers more of an insight into how she was treated.

For anyone that is interested in true crime series or murder cases, the Gabby Petito documentary is a perfect watch. This series does show a lot of touchy stuff for some people but is a great series to watch to understand more about Gabby Petito and her story.

For people who want to support domestic violence victims or help missing persons organizations, there are various ways to get involved. Many advocacy groups offer resources, volunteer opportunities, and ways to donate to causes that focus on preventing domestic violence and helping victims.

It is also important to be vigilant and supportive of those in vulnerable situations and to raise awareness about the signs of abuse. Gabby Petito’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening, taking action, and supporting those who need help.