Netflix Revisits the Wild True Story Behind “Project X” in New Documentary
What happens when a teenage party invite goes viral—and turns an entire town upside down? Netflix’s new documentary, Trainwreck: The Real Project X, streaming now, dives into the unbelievable true story that sounds like it came straight out of a Hollywood script—but actually happened.
In 2012, 16-year-old Merthe Weusthuis meant to invite just 78 people to her birthday party in Haren, Netherlands. But by accidentally setting the Facebook event to “public,” her small gathering became an international sensation. Before she knew it, over 30,000 people RSVP’d. Inspired by the 2012 party movie Project X, the event was nicknamed “Project X Haren,” sparking viral memes, copycat pages, and even merchandise.
On September 21, 2012, around 3,000 people actually showed up—far beyond what anyone imagined. With no permits, security, or official plan, the night spiraled into chaos. Teens and partygoers clashed with police, smashed shop windows, torched cars, and looted stores. When it was over, at least 36 people were injured, nearly 100 arrests were made, and the mayor resigned under pressure.
In the 48-minute film, directed by Alex Wood, Merthe—now 28 and living in Dubai—shares what it felt like to see her birthday turn into international news. Through interviews, real footage, and news clips, the documentary explores the unintended consequences of viral fame and how social media hype can escape anyone’s control in minutes.
The doc goes beyond party footage: it raises questions about digital responsibility, crowd psychology, and how online culture can fuel real-world destruction. It also shows the human side of the story—how Merthe dealt with shame, fear, and sudden, unwanted notoriety that followed her for years.
Trainwreck: The Real Project X is more than a nostalgic flashback. It’s a cautionary tale about what can happen when the digital world collides with real life—and how one accidental click can spark events that nobody can stop.
Streaming now on Netflix.
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