Untold: Sign Stealer
★★★ 1/2
As a die-hard college football fan, I thought I had a solid grip on the wild and wacky world of the sport, especially with the Michigan sign-stealing scandal that took the college football community by storm last year. I knew all about Jim Harbaugh’s suspension and how it played into Michigan’s pursuit of the national championship. But I never took a deep dive into the man at the center of it all: Connor Stalions. What was he really doing to pull off this covert operation?
Enter the latest installment of Netflix’s Untold series, which tackles this scandal with the same sharp storytelling and engaging visuals we’ve come to expect from the franchise. The documentary shines a light on the underground world of sign stealing, a topic that’s as intriguing as it is controversial. It explores not just the scandal itself but also the broader implications for college football. However, like other entries in the Untold series, it feels like it only scratches the surface—almost teasing viewers with what could have been a deeper dive.
What I really wanted was more insight into Connor’s process. What exactly goes into stealing signs? Who are the other players in this underground game? While the film does an impressive job of putting Connor Stalions front and center, it also presents a fascinating character arc. Initially, you might feel sympathy for him, viewing him as a scapegoat in a larger scheme. But as the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. He starts to come off as more cocky than naive, which adds another layer to the narrative.
If you’re a college football fan, this is definitely a must-watch. It’s a compelling look into a scandal that rocked the sport, even if it leaves you wanting just a little more depth—though not in the way you’d hope. Overall, Untold: Sign Stealer is an entertaining ride, even if it doesn't fully satisfy that craving for the nitty-gritty details.
