Under the Bridge (2024) User Reviews

As a Victoria resident, this story will always have a place in my nightmares

[Jamiec523 · 7/10 · 20 April 2024]

I have been a resident of Victoria BC for about 35 years and this is one of two stories that will always upset me when I think about it, the other being the disappearance of Michael Dunahee.

I was only 9 when Reena was murdered but to this day I remember the news coverage and the overall shock felt throughout Victoria was absolutely heartbreaking, for me personally I remember how upset I was at the thought of how scared Reena was and what she went through physically before she died. Those feelings have never gone away to this day and I bet they never will.

The ripple effect it had on those in Victoria regardless if they knew Reena Virk or not was absolutely indescribable. As I'm sure you know by watching this series, hearing about the story beforehand or from living in or close to Victoria, the way Reena was murdered was absolutely horrific to say the very least. I don't even want to compare this to an animalistic act because even wild animals would have more compassion than what was shown to Reena that horrific and unforgettable night.

Its interesting how someone's story can stick with you for your entire life even if you didn't know the victim or their family before or after the crime against them took place. My heart still and always will go out to Reena, The Virk family as well as her friends. I'll never fully know what they went through and what Reena's family and friends will always go through. Those that commited this disgusting crime will never receive the justice they TRULY deserve. I think Reena's story and the story of every murder victim should be a reminder that our justice system needs A LOT of work. Reena, her family and her friends has and always will be in my heart, especially while I drive over the bridge where this crime took place. I'm grateful Reena's story is being told in a way that many outside of Victoria can learn about it because Reena's story NEEDS to be told, so thank you to those that did this show to the best of their ability. Thus far it did have some points that didn't completely express the way this crime effected so many people, but I feel it has done well so far.

Rest In Peace Reena Virk, March 10, 1983 - November 14, 1997.

So far very good!!

[acolliton · 8/10 · 17 April 2024]

Just two episodes in and I'm completely hooked. The acting is very good so far. Chloe Guidry is doing a great job. Can't stop watching her, at the same time hating her. Lily Gladstone gives an amazing performance as well. The story line is great. Sad that it is a true story of this young girls murder. Complex issues all around with each character. I'm definitely all in.

The cinematography is beautiful.

I have not read this book so pardon me if I insult anybody that has, and if this TV series by any chance deviates too far from the book. I hate when that happens. Like with "All the Light We Cannot See"

Very Sad Story and Terrible Teenagers

[BlueeRain · 7/10 · 22 April 2024]

Very well told and I could not stand the kids who did this to Reena. Which shows how well the acting is. I am appalled that a large group did not consist of one kid willing to step up and do something good? Was it wanting to belong? Maybe. Was it Fear? Maybe, but I don't think so. Was it no empathy? Definitely. Disgraceful how our world is. This film made me so angry. Which is definitely what makes it good. Her story needs to be told especially since the kids got light sentances.

The author may be white (?) with Jewish Heritage. But she is the only one who stepped up and wrote about the case so well. Maybe she took liberties but this is not a documentary so unless I read the book I won't know. If you read her bio - her brother died at 16 and a journalist knocked on her door asking if she knew "the boy". So when she became a writer she did not want to be intrusive. So I believe she was kind when she investigated. Sadly she passed away herself.

As a Victoria resident this show is more fantasy than reality

[Cambert · 21 April 2024]

When I heard about this show I was very intrigued. I was the same age as Reena and growing up in Victoria at the same time. I have connections to this story that I don't want to make public but to say the least I was very interest in how this story would come to be on the screen. It's that time honored tradition of be careful when something is "based" on a true story.

Fair warning I couldn't finish the second episode because everything around the murder is heighted for television drama. When your main character is the author of a book about the crime written after the fact but somehow the show puts her there as the murder is going on is beyond me. All this does it take the focus of the real victim Reena Virk.

Not to mention in the real world Victoria is the 12th largest city in Canada and not some rural run town poor town like in the show. I had to laugh because the real Craigflower bridge is right by the Old Island Highway and one of the busiest intersections in the city and not surrounded by nothing like the show. When in reality this all went down in such a high traffic area is more shocking than this show where the population of 200 live miles from everyone and everywhere.

We owe it to the memory of Reena Virk to remember her story and the tragic details and not some fantasy made up to celebrate a writer with a tangential connection to the murder. From what I've seen from these first two episodes the show is more interested in the murders (truly awful people that got away way to lightly if you read the truth and not watch this show) than the victim herself. More interested in creating false narratives that work for TV but have nothing to do with real life.

Victoria and the family of Reena Virk deserve better, the scum involved in the actual crime deserve worse.

A compelling tale of "mob" murder by teenagers

[dfloro · 8/10 · 20 April 2024]

On the heels of giving an Oscar nominated performance in Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," Lily Gladstone is once again a force to be reckoned with in this TV miniseries. Her character of Cam Bentland has followed in her adoptive father's footsteps, entering into law enforcement in the Victoria, B. C., area. It's based upon a book written by the character in the show, Rebecca Godfrey, who died of cancer in 2022, but not before choosing Riley Keough to play her in this. Vritika Gupta portrays the unfortunate victim in the story, Reena Virk, and Chloe Guidry plays Josephine "Jo" Bell, the evil ringleader who imagines herself a young female John Gotti (THE guy to be, in her twisted mind). We know all this (as did Cam and Rebecca IRL) by the conclusion of the second episode (of 8), so I reserve the right to revise my rating and/or re-review this series later in its limited run. But I am anxious to see where the producers and the director take it from here. For now, rated 8 of 10.

A compelling thriller. Lily Gladstone is a force. Vritika Gupta shines!

[PNWReview · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

This mini series centers around the real life murder of Reena Virk. This show is compelling, bleak, dark, and unfortunately realistic. Lily Gladstone hot off of Killers of the Flower Moon is a force to be reckoned with onscreen. Newcomer Vritika Gupta shines through every scene she is in! The toxic complications of youth are discussed in a very real way. You see problems from all sides. It was a bit interesting adding Riley Keough's character as an author supposed to represent the author of the book. Where this series improves upon the book is it takes the time to focus more on Reena and her family's everyday life and the moments leading up to her murder. 10/10.

Here's My Problem...

[Mehki_Girl · 7/10 · 19 April 2024]

I don't like the author character, Rebecca. Once again, a white woman becomes the center of a story about the murder (or any story) about a brown or black person.

I don't care about her angst or problems. I'm not interested in her insertion into the story. I'm interested in the story of the kids involved and the child that died.

So I'm rolling my eyes. First at the character's willingness to lie so easily - To the housemother who said, no, you can't talk to underage girls in my charge and then her sitting on the girl's bed cross-legged, smoking, and giving themcigs like she's one of them.

Give me a break!

No, you're exploiting them for a book. Rules actually apply to you, too.

Then she goes to the police station. Lies again easily and inserts herself into a murder investigation, again for her book.

I actually dislike the character more than I dislike the girls and I don't like snotty teenagers, especially ones who bully and murder.

I know this is a character, but she's written in a very typical way in a trope that I'm finding really annoying from so many other movies throughout the years.

There she is lying, removing someone from a murder investigation. Like, WTH? I hope she gets charged with obstruction and kidnapping for removing a child from police custody without parental knowledge that she has no relationship to.

The arrogance and confidence that nothing will be done to you!

Very poor and annoying writing in my book. Isn't she supposed to be the hero of sorts by writing about this case? Well, make her less glib, unethical, and annoying and globbing on to the pretty little white girl.

Where were the writers of color? Why is this white-centered in a story about child of color who was brutally murdered in real life?!

A riveting dive into Mystery, Crime, and Human Complexity

[villarreal-76455 · 10/10 · 21 April 2024]

Having just delved into the first two episodes of "Under the Bridge," I find myself compelled to echo the sentiments of many viewers before me: this series is a gripping masterpiece. From the very outset, it asserts itself as a tour de force in the realms of mystery, crime, and edge of your seat suspense. The narrative unfolds with a deft hand, drawing audiences into a world where every twist and turn leaves us yearning for more.

At the heart of this captivating tale is the incomparable Lily Gladstone, whose portrayal of the lead character is nothing short of mesmerizing. Having previously graced the screen in Martin Scorsese's epic "Killers of the Flower Moon," Gladstone brings a depth and nuance to her role that is simply unparalleled. Alongside her, the young actors deliver performances far beyond their years, immersing us in the raw reality of their characters' lives.

While some viewers may find themselves initially unsure of the inclusion of Riley Keough, it's evident that every casting choice in "Under the Bridge" serves a purpose. Keough's presence, though perhaps not immediately resonant, adds layers to the narrative that promise to unfold in intriguing ways as the series progresses. Indeed, part of the allure of "Under the Bridge" lies in its ability to subvert expectations and challenge preconceived notions.

Credit must also be given to the masterful direction that permeates every frame of the series. Each scene is crafted with a keen eye for detail, drawing us deeper into the labyrinthine world of the story. The intensity that pulses through every moment keeps us on the edge of our seats, eagerly anticipating what lies around the next corner.

As I eagerly await the next installment, I can't help but reflect on the impact that "Under the Bridge" has already made. In a landscape inundated with content, it stands out as a shining beacon of excellence. With its captivating performances, expertly crafted narrative.

Show is good but when practically most of the characters are

[terrylarosa · 6/10 · 30 April 2024]

Trash it's hard to root for anybody. Even most of the cops are trash not caring about the towns citizens initially. Sure they can be lackadaisical about some girl missing for a few days if it's happened before but if the family is stating that something is different it should be looked into. If the show is accurate apparently one cop did. The worst part is the victim herself is extremely unlikable. Insecure, spiteful, disrespectful to her parents and listens to total trash rap music. So it's hard to care what happened to her. I only care about justice for the parents, not for her. Still it looks like it might be a good crime limited series. Will keep watching for now.

Good

[pariisaap · 9/10 · 1 May 2024]

I am happy that i chose that series to watch .

I watched 3 episodes and it was great i hope they continue the same way.

Some teenagers argued and one of them killed by the others .

Meanwhile Rebecca a woman that left the town for a long time after death of her brother returned to write a book and she is curious to see what happened to the girl.

Riley keough plays very well . She is charming and can attract anybody . And she is my favorite character in the series . She looks calm but we dout about her.

Although in the end of episode 3 one of the girls confess to her friends that she killed the girl. But we don't know because the other one confessed to rebecca she killed the poor girl .

It seems they are proud to kill her.

Riveting true crime drama mini-series

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 2 May 2024]

As Episode 1 of "Under the Bridge" (2024 release; 8 episodes of about 50 min. Each) opens, it is "November 14, 1997" and we are introduced to Reena, a teenage girl of Indian descent. She is trying hard to fir in with other girls her age, but it isn't easy. In a parallel story, we are introduced to Rebecca, who is visiting from New York as she is working on a book about Victoria, BC, where she grew up... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this mini-series is the brainchild of Quinn Shepard ("Not Okay"). Here she brings the book of the same name by Rebecca Godfrey to the small screen. I was mesmerized from the start, lured by the top notch script and strong performances by the cast (led by Riley Keough as Rebecca and Lily Gladstone as Cam). At this point I have seen 4 of the 8 episodes. It becomes clear very quickly who is responsible for the murder of Reena, so I was wondering why the mini-series would need so many episodes. Only tot then find out that more layers are peeled back, as we get the full picture of how the family from India settles in Victoria and tries to integrate. Beware: there are a number of scenes that will make you quite uncomfortable but sometime the truth ain't pretty, and that's being mild. Looking forward to watching the remaining 4 episodes in the weeks to come.

"Under the Bridge" is streaming on Hulu and new episodes are released on Wednesdays. The mini-series is currently rated 88% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and for good reason. If you are in the mood for a riveting true crime drama mini-series, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

Such unlikeable characters, no one to root for

[amy-couture1 · 5/10 · 1 May 2024]

I just finished episode four, and what I'm struck by is that there is nearly no one to root for in this series. Most of the "bad girls" are so hateful, so cruel, in nearly every single scene, which also is pretty uninteresting. Sometimes their behavior is so hard to watch that I have to turn the sound off and wait until the scene ends.

Reena Isn't much better, and I just finished episode four, and what she did is appalling. Because the "bad girls" are so one-dimensional, I have no sympathy whatsoever for Reena for feeling ostracized by them. So I can't sympathize with Reena's plight in feeling like she doesn't fit in. I think audience members are probably thinking, good! Reena run for the hills! It would be far better if they were at least interesting or kind sometimes.

The only character who feels likable is the lead female detective. And maybe Reena's parents, at times.

This would be much better if characters were written in shades of gray instead of black-and-white.

So Far Not So Good

[pokemom-41066 · 2 May 2024]

I recently read the book this series is based on after watching one episode. The book was poorly written and the victim was treated almost as an after thought. I was hoping the series would be better. However it is a somewhat fictionalized account of the book. The author did not work with the police. And the main cop character is made up. So far I would not recommend either. The characters seem so fake. Both the adults and the teenagers are mostly sad and very unlikable. Seems neither the victim or the assailants had any responsible loving adults in their lives. I will continue to watch this series but I don't feel it is worth your time.

Thought it would get better

[kcable-15919 · 3/10 · 8 May 2024]

The first episode definitely had me intrigued. As someone else said, it really just baits you into watching what becomes a boring drama about rebellious middle schoolers and a writer trying to find herself back in her hometown. No one is particularly likable, even the victim. With it being based on a true story, it was intriguing. With each episode, I hoped it would get better, but it didn't. I just finished episode 5, and it still feels like the investigation is mostly an afterthought to the drama between characters. Part of me wants to see this limited series through, but man... the writing is just so dull.

Is the bridge a metaphor for talented writing?

[sean-miller47 · 4/10 · 2 May 2024]

What began as a compelling story about a missing girl turns into another utter garbage cultural diversity character study.

The first episode is okay because, while it introduces you to all the unlikable characters, it breaks open what could be a fast-paced mystery/investigative drama by getting right to the central event. However, the actual disappearance and proceeding events serve as a hook for a show that is written to focus on drama between two lesbian ex lovers and a group of teenagers in foster care that are so out of touch with current times, its laughable. It is like watching Mean Girls but with 13 year olds who believe they are gangster - oh yeah- and this is in Canada. The narrative perspective could've served a better purpose by being creepy and focusing on an investigation, but it instead focuses on boring/unlikable characters that were written almost purely for dialogue. The writing comes off as petty and shallow as the characters themselves.

Boring

[fzzyboi · 1/10 · 17 April 2024]

I have never spent my time more uselessly than watching this show. Poorly written high school girl drama with poor acting and unlikeable characters. Best part of the show is Archie Punjabi. Maybe it would be better if there was an actual investigation going on instead of just tedious underage drinking and partying. If I wanted to see that I could look out my living room window. Just another reminder how producers and writers lack the prose to come up with a new or creative idea. I mean come on I went into this with an open mind, after watching it I walked away with a big question in my mind. What were they thinking? Don't waste your time.

Got episode three..so embarrassingly bad..

[brian-milligan · 1/10 · 25 April 2024]

Watching white kids describe themselves as " crips" or " mafia, do gang rituals and speak differently than they would is really cringe. Even If this really happened which i doubt it rings dumb. They're are in Canada for crying out loud. Not Compton. Just further shows how clueless Hollywood is about reality. Hollywood or film people live in this idiotic bubble where 16 year olds do blood oaths before the start talking about cutting people's heads off in small town Canada . Just preposterous. Story is also slow and embellished and the writing is terrible. Goodbye Under the Bridge.. can't say it was a pleasure.