Netflix’s docuseries “Trainwreck” concludes its latest installment with “Trainwreck: Storm Area 51,” which explores the viral absurdity surrounding an event that started as a joke. The two-part series recounts the story of Matty Roberts, a college student who whimsically created a Facebook event named “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us,” intending to poke fun at conspiracy theories about the military’s secret UFO holdings at the infamous Nevada base.
Initially pitched as a lighthearted prank, Matty’s post gained unexpected traction, amassing nearly two million attendees and prompting the U.S. military to take the threats seriously, thus mobilizing law enforcement. The docuseries details an array of peculiar personalities, including wannabe YouTubers and UFO enthusiasts, who became embroiled in the unfolding drama.
As interest swelled, Matty attempted to steer the chaotic situation, suggesting attendees “Naruto run” at the military base to evade potential gunfire. Despite these comic attempts, the situation escalated, resulting in substantial media coverage and caution from authorities. Ultimately, only a few hundred attendees showed up at Area 51, leading to media ridicule and disappointment.
The documentary touches on various facets of the event, including social media’s role in inflating expectations and the logistics of coordinating an event in such a remote location. It humorously highlights corporate exploitation of the moment—a Pornhub sponsorship and fast-food promotions—but also insinuates the potential consequences of misinformation and hype driven by viral trends.
However, many viewers may find the documentary lacking in depth, failing to address critical questions about accountability among participants or the financial motivations behind continuing with the event despite grave warnings. The narrative offers an amusing but ultimately superficial overview of the farcical event without delving into its broader implications.
While the documentary showcases the power of the internet to spark an absurd cultural phenomenon, it serves as a reminder of the absurdities that can arise when social media hype gets out of hand. Amid the chaotic backdrop, there is a glimmer of hope that audiences can learn from such instances, perhaps encouraging them to engage more thoughtfully with viral content in the future.