Shows such as The Sopranos may be fictional, but the mafia is very much real.
A compelling new three-part Netflix documentary explores the violent clashes between rival mob factions in Philadelphia throughout the 1990s, highlighting the FBI’s mission to dismantle the two predominant crime leaders.
Often exaggerated in movies, television, and literature, Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia presents an unfiltered look at the mafia’s reality.
Watch With Us has developed a keen interest in this series and believes it deserves a spot at the top of your Netflix list this weekend.
It Highlights an Overlooked Mafia Network in the U.S.
While names like John Gotti and Al Capone are well-known, the existence of Philadelphia’s mafia often goes unnoticed. However, it gained notoriety in the 1990s, with a string of high-profile mob killings that frequently made headlines, often occurring in broad daylight.
This brief but bloody feud involved two rival mafia kingpins: the established figure John Stanfa from the old guard and the ambitious Joey Merlino, representing the younger generation. Following the 1986 arrest of Nicky Scarfo, a power vacuum emerged, leading to a violent struggle as they vied for dominance.
The Narrative Is Entrancing and Well-Timed
With just three episodes, Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia manages to convey a wealth of information in a concise format, making it an ideal length for the subject matter. Director Raissa Botterman skillfully avoids excessive interviews and reenactments (the latter being used judiciously), maintaining a focus on the relevant facts and key players.
The story, while sometimes convoluted due to numerous characters and shifting allegiances, remains captivating. Botterman’s straightforward presentation keeps the focus clear, detailing the escalating violence that prompted FBI intervention—highlighted by dramatic events like the attempted drive-by shooting of Stanfa on the Schuylkill Expressway. Gathering evidence against such a clandestine organization was challenging, often requiring life-threatening tactics such as undercover surveillance and bugging mafia hangouts.
The Documentary’s Captivating Style Maintains Interest
Mob documentaries often suffer from an overload of interviews and archival footage. However, Botterman adopts a more innovative approach to her direction, synchronizing the compelling pace of the unfolding story with clever editing and an energetic soundtrack. The series also showcases a colorful array of characters dressed in high-styled ensembles reminiscent of classic mob films.
Botterman’s choice to shoot interviews in various dynamic locations—ranging from shadowy bars to the office spaces of the Philadelphia Inquirer and even inside a parked vehicle—adds depth and creativity to the narrative, eschewing the traditional, uninviting interview backdrop. Within the constraints usually imposed by the subject matter, it’s refreshing to see Botterman exert additional effort to enhance a story that could easily stand on its own.
Watch Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia now streaming on Netflix.
