Welcome, My Movievaures. Today, we dive into Under the Bridge, Hulu’s latest foray into true crime drama, based on the harrowing true story detailed in Rebecca Godfrey’s book of the same name. This series is more than just a show—it’s a window into a dark chapter of real-life events. Let’s explore how well it translates from page to screen and why it’s worth your attention.

Under the Bridge is a true crime drama miniseries developed by Quinn Shephard, premiering on Hulu on April 17, 2024. It recounts the tragic story of Reena Virk, a teenager whose brutal murder by her peers shocked the community and the world. The series follows Rebecca Godfrey, a writer who dives deep into the case, uncovering the complexities and dark realities of those involved. The miniseries doesn’t shy away from the raw and painful truths of the crime, offering a gripping narrative that keeps viewers engaged while respecting the gravity of the events it portrays.

Under the Bridge brings to life the grim story of Reena Virk’s murder, drawing heavily from Rebecca Godfrey’s investigative book. The series explores not just the crime itself, but the social dynamics, personal histories, and psychological underpinnings of the teenagers involved

The show stars Riley Keough as Rebecca Godfrey, a writer and key character who navigates the murky waters of the case with both professional detachment and personal empathy. Other notable cast members include Lily Gladstone as Cam, a fictionalized childhood friend and cop, adding layers to Rebecca’s personal journey through this case. Quinn Shephard’s development of the series remained closely tied to Godfrey’s vision, despite the author’s untimely death in 2022. Their collaboration ensured the series stayed true to the book’s intent and emotional depth.

The reception for Under the Bridge has been generally positive. Critics have praised its sensitive handling of a brutal story, although some feel it occasionally glosses over the most compelling elements. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 84% approval rating, with an average rating of 7.4/10 based on 49 reviews. The consensus highlights its success in exploring cruelty with a delicate touch. Metacritic gives it a score of 70 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Audience engagement has been strong, with the series ranking as the ninth most streamed original television series across all platforms in the U.S. during its premiere week, and climbing to the fourth most streamed by the end of April.

I read a lot of different books, including many thrillers based on real-life stories. However, I had never heard about Under the Bridge by Rebecca Godfrey until watching this series. Initially, I didn’t realize it was based on true events until I saw the “based on real events” message.

Disney/Hulu’s intentions might not always be pure, but creating content that highlights these stories is commendable. For many, this show will be an introduction to a tragic story worth telling. While I won’t praise the plot—it’s based on real, tragic events—the portrayal of Rebecca is truly fascinating. Her ability to empathize with the indefensible reflects deep human complexity. The show skillfully illustrates the blurred lines between good and bad, the imperfections of justice, and how societal prejudices can lead to violence and death.

This series reveals the lurking presence of violence and the harsh reality that we can’t always protect those we love. Under the Bridge is one of my favorite shows of the past two months and is truly worth your watch.

Under the Bridge offers a gripping, thoughtful look into a disturbing true crime story. Have you watched it? What are your thoughts? Share your opinions with me on the Movievaures Instagram page, and don’t forget to follow me for more reviews and updates on the latest in film and television!