An unresolved art theft brought back to life

Two men in police costumes, a quiet night in March 1990, and a spectacular art theft that still captivates the world. The documentary series This Is A Robbery: The World's Biggest Art Heist brings this dramatic event to life with both intensity and extraordinary thoroughness. On Netflix, we discover, through this four-part documentary from 2021, directed by Colin Barnicle and produced by his brother Nick Barnicle, the famous robbery of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. The thieves vanished with invaluable works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Degas, valued at over 500 million dollars. The series combines interviews, archival footage, and re-enactments to uncover the complex picture of the theft and the blunders that still haunt the investigation of this unsolved case.

Mafia connections and the FBI's investigation failures

The Barnicle brothers' seven-year intensive research has created a gripping series that meticulously explores connections to the Boston mafia and Whitey Bulger. It casts a critical eye on the FBI's investigation and the political and criminal currents that intrude upon the art world. The series succeeds in presenting police reports and court documents in an informative and engaging way. However, controversy arises when the series delves into theories that the paintings were used as ransom in rival mafia conflicts. This speculative approach to unresolved and delicate issues has met with criticism, but Barnicle has steered safely with a focus on human consequences rather than sensation.

Netflix series' impact and ongoing fascination

With its debut on Netflix, This Is A Robbery has achieved vast reach, not only keeping the case fresh in the public consciousness but also encouraging new tips and information to the FBI. The series not only sheds light on one of our era's greatest art mysteries but also examines the art world's and society's ability to uphold justice in power plays and organized crime. By thoroughly exploring this fascinating and frustrating case, the documentary series ensures that the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's famous empty frames still speak, narrate, and wait for answers.

Watch the series on Netflix media.netflix.com and delve into the world's greatest art mystery. Follow CrimeNews for more in-depth true crime analyses.