'The Staircase' is exploitative true crime at its best (and worst)

HBO Max's The Staircase is like staring into an infinity mirror of true crime. The more you watch it, the more idly transfixed you become by the illusion — and simultaneously perplexed by its existence in the first place.

Fascinating, nauseating, and a slog all at once, the 2022 true crime drama starring Colin Firth and Toni...