Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
An investigation into the original 1993 Michael Jackson allegations brought by the Chandler family.
Square One is a documentary making a pointed counter-argument to the dominant narrative around Michael Jackson's 1993 Chandler allegations, presenting a detailed case for manipulation, extortion, and fabrication. Its Plot (investigative structure) is compelling and meticulously constructed, earning a 4 for the rigorous assembly of evidence and testimony. Acting is not applicable in the traditional sense — interview subjects and talking heads are serviceable but unremarkable, landing at 2. Cinematography is functional documentary fare with no distinctive visual ambition, a 2. Novelty earns a 3 as it occupies a specific counter-narrative niche in the Jackson documentary space (especially relative to Leaving Neverland), giving it a distinct voice even if the true-crime investigative format itself is familiar. The Ending ties threads together reasonably well but doesn't deliver a dramatically satisfying or revelatory conclusion, settling at 3.