When the lights went down on Tuesday night for the premiere of a dramatized series about Meredith Kircher’s tragic murder, emotions ran high.But rather than focusing solely on the late student’s life, all eyes seemed to be on Amanda Knox, the former flatmate who was convicted and later exonerated in the 2007 case.
Knox, now 38, made a striking appearance with her husband, sparking renewed debate over who the spotlight should belong to.
Meredith Kircher’s Family Speaks Out
Francesco Maresca, the lawyer representing Meredith’s family, did not hold back in his criticism of Knox’s involvement in the series.
Speaking to The Mirror, he urged the public to remember Meredith’s life rather than Knox’s legal battles.
“The important thing is that Amanda Knox clearly wants this case to continue,” Maresca said.
“It would be dignified to watch a program that remembers the life and smile of poor Meredith. Instead, once again, the focus is on Knox.”
Knox Shines on the Red Carpet
Despite the grim subject matter, Knox appeared radiant at the premiere.
She wore a floral summer dress with bow-tie detailing, while her husband, Christopher Robinson, opted for a trendy mesh blouse under a light grey suit.
Raffaele Sollecito, her former boyfriend and co-defendant, donned a cornflower blue blazer and matching slacks.
Knox and Sollecito smiled alongside the actors portraying them, Grace Van Patten and Giuseppe De Domenico, giving the event an unexpectedly cheerful vibe.
The Series and Its Creative Team
The eight-part Hulu series, “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox”, is executive-produced by Knox herself and Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern turned activist.
Lewinsky has spent years moving past her own public scandal and now mentors Knox, who credits Lewinsky with helping her reclaim her narrative.
The creative team also includes K.J. Steinberg, executive producer of This Is Us, and renowned producer Warren Littlefield, bringing a high-profile touch to the project.
Knox explained that the series allowed her to share intimate, real-life experiences without Hollywood gloss, adding layers of “messy humanity” that make the show feel authentic.
Mixed Critical Reception
Reviews have been polarized. The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan gave it four out of five stars, praising Grace Van Patten’s portrayal of Knox while criticizing the opening sequences and some of the dialogue as “dodgy.”
Meanwhile, The Times’ Carol Midgley described the series as heavily sympathetic to Knox, painting her as a cooperative and pleasant young woman caught in a nightmare abroad.
Nick Hilton of the Independent rated it only two stars, highlighting the morally complex nature of the series.
Originally titled Blue Moon, the show’s later, more whimsical title reflects its unexpectedly bubbly tone, despite the serious subject matter.
Knox’s voiceovers guide viewers through her perspective, capturing her youthful curiosity and naivety during the tragic events.
Balancing Bias and Perspective
Knox and Lewinsky were deliberate in exploring how bias shapes perception.
“Every interaction we have with a person is colored by the context we carry,” Knox explained.
Lewinsky added, “It’s the long tale of trauma—not just the person, but the collateral damage to families.”
The series aims to present multiple perspectives, showing how events unfold differently depending on who is telling the story.
Remembering Meredith Amid the Spotlight
While the series focuses on Knox’s journey, Meredith’s family has emphasized the importance of honoring the victim.
Meredith’s sister expressed difficulty understanding the series’ purpose, highlighting that her sister’s fight for life and vibrant personality continue to shine even in her absence.
From Scandal to Storytelling
Knox’s partnership with Lewinsky began in 2017, when the two met at a speaking engagement.
Knox described seeking private guidance from Lewinsky, who shared insights on reclaiming one’s voice after public scrutiny.
This mentorship inspired Knox to tell her story through television and podcasting, including her latest Hard Knox episode, where she and Lewinsky discuss surviving public scandal and rebuilding identity in the aftermath of trauma.
A Complex Legacy on Screen
“The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” may divide audiences, but it provides an intimate look at Knox’s experiences while prompting conversations about memory, bias, and justice.
As the series unfolds, it challenges viewers to navigate the messy intersection of personal narrative, media scrutiny, and the lingering shadow of tragedy.
