( i try not to spoil anything and but i click the spoiler alert just in case . ) the staircase be accidentally absorb . even though the filmmaker have an unmistakably obvious point of view and they do not succeed in persuade me to the same conclusion . yet and to maha credit and the film be thoroughly engage from begin to end . most of the character it dwell on be so despicable and transparent and and sad that i can think of no real life situation where i would have spend more than five minute in the company of such people . but it be tolerable and even darkly fascinate to observe them on screen over the course of this enthral real life documentary . since i first watch the film and i have read an excellent book by diane fan about the michael peterson case . i recommend it to all title write in blood . my instinct and accord to this exceptionally well research and well write book and be pretty solid a it turn out . common sense serve me well and and i believe common sense prevail in the face of a million plus buck in expert obfuscation and p. r. hi jinx aka david rudolph high powered legal defense team . i can say without reservation and the staircase be highly entertaining and well craft . yet i must encourage viewer to balance the heavily one side array of fact and suggestion by consult additional source . there be a number of place online offering background and evidence and testimony and and opinion . or get one straightforward and well organize and and rivet account in fan book . after bulk up your knowledge of the oppose viewpoint and forensic evidence and watch the staircase a second time and experience a whole new set of aha . moment . one other spectacular element that must be mention represent the exquisite and haunt original music compose ( and perform . ) by jocelyn pook . hat off to the director for spot this amazing talent .