Netflix fans get 'chills' from true crime drama about 'appalling' UK murder
Netflix's new true crime drama is essential viewing as it tackles a horrific murder that look place in the 1990s and its direct aftermath.
This harrowing true crime story unfolded right here on British soil.
A gripping new Netflix original, based on a real-life murder that took place in Wimbledon, has been leaving viewers utterly shaken from its very opening scenes.
Dropped on the streaming giant this week (Thursday, 4th June), the three-part drama chronicles the fatal stabbing of Rachel Jane Nickell on Wimbledon Common in 1992.
After Rachel was savagely stabbed 49 times, her two year old son Alex was left as the sole witness, allowing her killer to evade justice for years.
Based on Alex's memoir Letting Go, this powerful series places Rachel's son (portrayed by Jahsaiah Williams and Max Fincham) and her partner, André (Jordan Bolger), at its heart, as the pair struggle to come to terms with the devastating grief of losing her so suddenly.
Through a richly crafted script by creator Rob Williams (The Victim), viewers are taken on an emotionally gruelling journey as André and Alex navigate life without Rachel (Eleanor Williams) — a loss that leaves them utterly adrift.
Meanwhile, tenacious yet deeply flawed lead detective Keith Pedder (Neil Maskell) deploys an undercover female officer in a bid to ensnare the police's prime suspect, in a chaotic investigation further hampered by mounting pressure from his superiors and the British press.
A must-watch for anyone captivated by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham's Adolescence last year, The Witness is a sobering British drama that has already ignited fierce discussion just hours after landing on Netflix. The Guardian awarded the series a four-star review, describing it as "courageous" and "a valuable insight" into the true crime case, while cautioning that "some details are so appalling that they are difficult to believe".
The Irish Independent commented: "It's unlike any true crime drama we've seen before, in that it's not really a true crime drama at all. It's primarily a story of survival in the most appalling circumstances."
Netflix subscribers have been rushing to watch the gripping new series, though many were left wholly unprepared for The Witness' deeply distressing opening scenes.
One shaken X user wrote: "15 mins into #TheWitness on Netflix and I'm already broken."
Another added: "The witness on Netflix, just started and ts already got me sad."
"#TheWitness on Netflix will give you the chills," a further viewer cautioned.
Over on IMDB, an 8/10 review stated: "Heart wrenching for a child to have gone through this.
"The team behind this production managed to capture it without getting into a b-grade police story melodrama, instead treating it sensibly and with respect to the victims. Will watch the documentary now that I've seen this compelling series..."
For those wishing to delve deeper into the case, a companion documentary, The Murder of Rachel Nickell, is also available to stream.
The Witness is available to stream on Netflix.
