Into the Abyss: A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life

Throughout the documentary, Werner Herzog offers us an intimate look at the lives of prisoners sentenced to death in a Texas prison. Through in-depth interviews, the director explores his personal stories, crimes, and perspectives on life and death. The film follows the case of two convicted killers, Michael Perry and Jason Burkett, accused of committing three murders in Texas in 2001. Both maintain their innocence, and throughout the documentary, Herzog goes into the complex paths these people have travelled, revealing their desires, fears and concerns, as well as the uncertainty surrounding their future trials and convictions. The film makes us reflect on justice, punishment and humanity in a world where the lives of some seem to be worth less than that of others.