Netflix's "Who Killed the Montreal Expos" Needed One Change to Shine
In recent years, Netflix has delivered some outstanding sports documentaries. Titles like The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox and the Quarterback docuseries have provided hours of captivating viewing. With that in mind, one might expect Who Killed the Montreal Expos?, released in 2025 before the World Series, to be another standout. Unfortunately, it falls just short.
A Deep Dive Into a Troubled Franchise
Jean-François Poisson’s documentary explores the nearly 40-year history of the Montreal Expos, covering their highs and lows, from moments of triumph to a slow decline. The film captures the team's significance in Montreal, Quebec, and throughout Canada, offering a heartfelt portrayal of the players who became like family.
Strengths of the Documentary
- Comprehensive overview of the franchise’s history in about 90 minutes
- Balanced coverage of the good, the bad, and the ugly periods
- Strong emotional connection with players and fans alike
Where It Fell Short
Despite these strengths, the documentary could have greatly benefited from being a multi-part series rather than a single film. This change would have provided the time needed to explore the story more deeply and do justice to the subject matter.
“Unlike the franchise the documentary chronicles, this one thing could have saved the documentary in my eyes.”
Final Thoughts
Poisson and his team successfully crafted a loving tribute to the Expos, but the limited runtime constrained its potential.
Author's summary: Although well-crafted and heartfelt, the documentary’s single-installment format limits its depth, and a multi-part series would have made it truly exceptional.