Mister Organ is one of the most unsettling documentaries I’ve ever seen

Mister Organ is a documentary that defies the typical boundaries of its genre. It is a rare film that not only delves into the life of its subject, Michael Organ, but also leaves viewers with a lingering sense of unease. This unsettling documentary by David Farrier, a journalist based in Auckland, New Zealand, follows Farrier as he investigates the peculiar activities of Bashford Antiques, a shop in Ponsonby that has been known for clamping cars and charging exorbitant fees.

Farrier's reporting on this matter led to the introduction of new legislation aimed at regulating such practices.

However, Farrier's investigation takes a darker turn when he meets Michael Organ, the man responsible for enforcing the park. Through his interviews with those who have known Organ and his direct interactions with the man himself, Farrier unveils a portrait of a deeply troubled individual. Organ is found to have a murky past, having been charged with attempting to steal a yacht in a scheme that turned out to be nothing more than a fabrication. He even claims to be a prince and a lawyer, both of which are far from the truth.

As Farrier and Organ engage further, the documentary takes a turn towards the terrifying. Organ admits to having a key to Farrier's home, a fact that heightens the tension. This revelation leads Farrier to feel the need to leave his country in an effort to protect himself from Organ's relentless harassment and psychological manipulation.

The result is a film that is not just a cautionary tale about the dangers of conmen, but a chilling exploration of the impact such individuals can have on their victims' lives. Mister Organ is available for streaming on platforms such as Hoopla, Kanopy, and YouTube.