Beauty and the Bester Netflix Review — Stream It or Skip It?

by Talha · September 16, 2025

Beauty and the Bester official poster — Credit : Netflix

Key Takeaways

Explores the shocking true-crime story of Thabo Bester, the “Facebook rapist,” and his mysterious prison escape.
High-quality production with real interviews, but a non-linear timeline that can feel confusing.
A gripping, stranger-than-fiction docuseries that’s perfect for true-crime fans — definitely worth streaming.

Netflix’s latest true-crime documentary, “Beauty and the Bester,” explores the shocking story of Thabo Bester, a South African criminal known as the “Facebook rapist.” The series follows Bester’s criminal history, his time in prison, and the mysterious events surrounding his incarceration, including a fire that left a body burned beyond recognition. The documentary is a mix of interviews, archival footage, and investigative journalism that aims to give viewers an inside look into one of South Africa’s most infamous crimes.

The Story

The series jumps back and forth in time, starting with a 2011 interview where Bester discusses his past crimes. He committed multiple serious offenses, including assault, robbery, and murder, often targeting women through online scams. Despite his horrific crimes, the documentary reveals that he was often visited by female admirers in prison, most notably Nandipha Magudumana, a celebrity cosmetic surgeon with a large social media following.

The narrative then moves to 2022, when a fire broke out in Bester’s prison cell at the Manguang Correctional Centre. Authorities initially ruled it as “self-termination,” but further investigation raised doubts. The documentary tracks Magudumana’s involvement, her claims of being Bester’s common-law wife, and her mysterious foreign business connections, providing a complex layer to the story.

Production and Style

A scene fro netflix series beauty and the bester — Credit : Netflix

“Beauty and the Bester” is professionally produced with clear cinematography and high-quality archival material. The documentary features a mix of journalists, family members, legal experts, and colleagues providing insights into the events. However, the series uses a non-linear, time-jumping narrative, which can be confusing for some viewers. Scenes move between 2011 and 2022 frequently, sometimes making it hard to follow the exact timeline of events.

Despite this, the series is compelling because it focuses on factual reporting and avoids excessive sensationalism. The editing emphasizes suspense and cliffhangers, making it engaging for true-crime enthusiasts who enjoy piecing together complex stories.

What Makes It Stand Out

The documentary covers a rare South African criminal case that gained international attention.
Interviews with experts and witnesses provide a detailed perspective on Bester’s crimes and prison life.
Professional production quality with a mix of archival footage, interviews, and real-world investigations.
A thought-provoking look at morality, obsession, and justice in extreme criminal cases.

Our Take

While the timeline may feel scattered at times, “Beauty and the Bester” delivers a gripping, real-life crime story that is both fascinating and disturbing. The first episode sets the stage with shocking facts and intriguing character insights. Fans of shows like Making a Murderer or American Nightmare will find this documentary engaging, informative, and binge-worthy.

Verdict: STREAM IT ✅

The series’ combination of compelling storytelling, investigative depth, and professional production makes it worth watching, especially for true-crime fans who enjoy complex, stranger-than-fiction stories.

FAQs — Beauty and the Bester

Where can I watch “Beauty and the Bester”?
The series is available exclusively on Netflix, including Netflix with Ads.

How many episodes are in the series?
The documentary currently has three episodes, with the first episode covering the major events from 2011 to 2022.

Is the documentary graphic or violent?
The series includes discussions of violent crimes but avoids graphic sexual content or explicit violence in the first episode.

Who is Nandipha Magudumana?
She is a celebrity cosmetic surgeon who became involved in the Bester case, claiming to be his common-law wife and playing a mysterious role in the events surrounding his prison life.

Is the documentary worth watching?
Yes. Despite the non-linear storytelling, the series is gripping, professionally produced, and provides a fascinating insight into one of South Africa’s most notorious crimes.