Rotten Tomatoes
Submit search Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Maternal Instinct

Play trailer Poster for Maternal Instinct 2026 1h 36m Documentary Crime Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
Tomatometer 7 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
A Texas state trooper pulls over a woman claiming she just gave birth, but an investigation exposes a criminal case.

Where to Watch

Maternal Instinct

Critics Reviews

View More
John Anderson Wall Street Journal Jun 12
Ms. Dimmock, by doling out Parker’s pathological lies and absurd deceptions in modest doses, accomplishes two strategic things -- momentum and controlled toxicity. Go to Full Review
Dustin Rowles Pajiba 3d
I was left absolutely gobsmacked. GOBSMACKED. Jaw-on-the-floor, what-the-absolute-hell-did-I-just-watch gobsmacked. Go to Full Review
Belen Prieto Espinof 4d
4/5
Maternal Instinct is one of those Netflix documentaries that starts out as simply another true crime film in the platform's already saturated catalog, but soon transforms into something far more disturbing. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Joey Moser The Contending 4d
It will sicken you, shock you, and frighten you. Go to Full Review
John Serba Decider 5d
Maternal Instinct is one of the stronger true crime docs in the Netflix stable. Go to Full Review
Barbara Shulgasser Common Sense Media 5d
4/5
The canny makers of Maternal Instinct present an unfussy and adroit portrait of remorseless antisocial behavior. Go to Full Review
Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
Hayleigh P. @haytay.shows22 3h This is crazy.. seemed like a genuine sweet girl turned psycho See more Jacob P. @paceyscreek8 1d Absolutely shocking. Never knew what to expect next. See more VITALII H @freakynickison 2d Omg. Sometimes I really wonder how is it that in the world are some ppl that are that messed up in their head. This is so crazy and scary. Did she really did that? Everything shows that she did, damn. As far as the documentary goes, all I can say is that it was very decently made, the highlights were presented in the right way during the right time. I wish there was some psychological aspect to this documentary. Like what made Taylor do all of this? What was her motive? All I want to say is that I hope Raegan’s family finds some peace after this horrible tragedy and loss. May she rest in peace with her child. See more Mitch B. @MitchBannon 3d Wow. See something, say something. Trust your gut. Well made documentary. People pleasing sometimes has dire consequences. See more wonderment100 T @Wonderment 4d This was probably one of the scariest documentaries I have ever seen, leaving a lasting impact on me. It prompts deep reflection on the subject matter. Trusting your gut instinct remains arguably the best advice anyone could offer, especially in situations of uncertainty. See more Kenneth L @RT28484096 5d A horrifying documentary that you can't help but watch. See more Read all reviews
Maternal Instinct

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING

Movie Info

Synopsis A Texas state trooper pulls over a woman claiming she just gave birth, but an investigation exposes a criminal case.
Director
Jessica Dimmock
Producer
Joshua Levine, Jon Bardin
Distributor
Netflix
Genre
Documentary, Crime
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 12, 2026
Runtime
1h 36m