There’s something about true-crime dramas that keeps viewers glued to the screen — perhaps it’s the morbid curiosity about human nature or the chilling realization of how dark everyday life can become. Hulu’s 2024 series Under the Bridge taps into both, bringing to life one of Canada’s most infamous crimes: the murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk. Based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book of the same name, this eight-episode series delves deep into a story that, while already tragic on the surface, reveals layers of violence, trauma, and toxic teenage behavior.
The show walks a delicate line, blending real-life events with dramatic storytelling. Though Under the Bridge makes several dramatic adjustments to its source material, it preserves the emotional gravity of the case, ensuring viewers remain engrossed. With a cast led by Lily Gladstone, Riley Keough, and standout performances by several young actors, the series doesn’t just chronicle a crime; it immerses viewers in a chilling exploration of adolescent cruelty, societal pressures, and fractured relationships.
A True-Crime Drama With Grit
Under the Bridge starts in the mid-90s in Victoria, British Columbia, and the series never shies away from showing the gloomy backdrop of coastal isolation that mirrors the moral decay of its characters. Reena Virk, played poignantly by Vritika Gupta, is the central figure, though the series quickly establishes that she is more of a ghost than a living presence. The real action is with her classmates — Josephine Bell, Kelly Ellard, Dusty Pace, and Warren Glowatski — a mix of troubled teenagers whose personal demons lead them down the path of brutality.
The show skillfully alternates between two timelines: the time leading up to Reena’s murder and the investigation that followed. It is here that Under the Bridge sets itself apart from many other true-crime narratives. The series doesn’t revel in shock value but instead examines the subtle psychological shifts that turn a group of seemingly average teenagers into perpetrators of a horrific crime.
The series captures the increasing tension in Reena’s life, depicting her as a vulnerable outsider. As one of the only Indian girls in her school and a Jehovah’s Witness, Reena is bullied mercilessly. The pressure to fit in leads her to seek acceptance from a group of girls who end up becoming her tormentors. This storyline is unsettling but realistic, highlighting how seemingly small acts of cruelty can escalate into unimaginable violence.
Dark Performances, Chilling Characters
The performances in Under the Bridge are where the show truly shines. Chloe Guidry’s portrayal of Josephine Bell is chilling, bringing to life a character so consumed by rage and self-hatred that she manipulates everyone around her. Josephine is both terrifying and vulnerable, making her one of the show’s most compelling figures. Her relationship with Dusty (Aiyana Goodfellow), another troubled teen, is fraught with toxic co-dependence. The two share a palpable tension that keeps viewers on edge.
Izzy G., who plays Kelly Ellard, delivers a similarly unnerving performance. Kelly is depicted as a cold, indifferent participant in the crime, a teenager who exudes cruelty with an almost casual demeanor. Izzy G. masterfully portrays Kelly’s detachment, especially in scenes where she recounts the details of Reena’s murder with chilling nonchalance.
However, it’s not just the teenagers who drive the drama. Lily Gladstone, fresh off her lauded performance in Killers of the Flower Moon, plays Officer Cam Bentland, a former resident of the same foster home as the girls involved. Cam’s internal struggles and connection to the case add depth to the narrative. The show presents her as a complex character, caught between her past and her responsibilities as a police officer investigating a crime that hits close to home. Her interactions with Rebecca Godfrey (Riley Keough), the author who returns to her hometown to document the case, form a tense, sometimes frustrating dynamic. While the two characters share a history, their conflicting interests create friction throughout the series.
Emotional Depth and Dramatic Missteps
Despite its strengths, Under the Bridge is not without its flaws. The series often overextends itself by introducing too many subplots. For example, while Rebecca Godfrey’s journey as an outsider returning home adds a layer of meta-narrative to the series, it sometimes detracts from the more compelling story of Reena and her attackers. The strained, half-developed relationship between Rebecca and Officer Cam feels forced at times, leaving viewers more invested in the teenage characters than the adults who dominate much of the screen time.
Moreover, the show’s attempt to humanize the attackers — particularly Josephine and Dusty — walks a fine line between empathy and justification. While it’s important to understand the forces that drive these teenagers to commit such an atrocity, some viewers might feel uncomfortable with the level of sympathy the series affords them. After all, at the heart of this drama is the brutal death of a young girl who simply wanted to belong.
That said, the series handles Reena’s story with grace and care, particularly in the later episodes, where her family’s grief and cultural isolation are explored. The portrayal of Reena’s parents, played by Archie Panjabi and Ezra Farooque Khan, is heart-wrenching. The show effectively demonstrates the ripple effects of the crime, not only on Reena’s immediate family but also on the community at large.
Visuals and Atmosphere: A Gloomy Reflection of the Crime
Visually, Under the Bridge makes excellent use of its British Columbia setting. The foggy, rain-soaked landscapes serve as a metaphor for the murky morality of the characters. There’s an ever-present sense of dread that builds throughout the series, much like the relentless weather that mirrors the dark, emotional storm brewing among the teens.
The show’s cinematography also plays a crucial role in capturing the bleakness of the situation. Scenes of Reena’s last moments are haunting, shot with a rawness that makes the violence almost unbearable to watch. These moments are contrasted with quieter, more introspective scenes, allowing viewers to catch their breath while pondering the weight of the unfolding tragedy.
Final Thoughts: A Series Worth Watching?
Under the Bridge is not an easy watch. It’s dark, emotionally taxing, and unrelenting in its portrayal of teenage cruelty. However, it’s also a powerful examination of the fragile line between victim and aggressor, and the long-lasting effects of violence. While it stumbles in places — particularly with its adult-centric subplots — the performances by its younger cast make it a must-watch for true-crime aficionados.
The series succeeds in capturing the emotional complexity of the case, ensuring that Reena’s story is told with the respect it deserves, while also shedding light on the terrifying potential for darkness in all of us. As a commentary on bullying, social pressure, and the pain of adolescence, Under the Bridge feels painfully relevant today, even though the crime it depicts occurred over two decades ago.
If you’re in the mood for a true-crime drama that doesn’t pull punches but also takes time to explore the emotional landscape of its characters, Under the Bridge is well worth the watch. Just be prepared for a ride that’s as emotionally heavy as it is gripping.
FAQs
What is Under the Bridge about?
Under the Bridge is a Hulu true-crime drama based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book, exploring the 1997 murder of Reena Virk in British Columbia. The series examines the events leading up to her death and the subsequent investigation.
Is Under the Bridge based on a true story?
Yes, the series is based on the real-life murder of Reena Virk, a 14-year-old girl who was killed by a group of teenagers in Victoria, British Columbia.
Who stars in Under the Bridge?
The show features performances by Lily Gladstone as Officer Cam Bentland, Riley Keough as Rebecca Godfrey, Vritika Gupta as Reena Virk, and Chloe Guidry as Josephine Bell.
How many episodes does Under the Bridge have?
The series consists of eight episodes, blending the investigation into Reena’s murder with flashbacks of the events leading up to the crime.
Is Under the Bridge worth watching?
Yes, despite some narrative flaws, Under the Bridge offers a gripping and emotionally charged portrayal of a tragic true-crime case, bolstered by strong performances.
What themes does Under the Bridge explore?
The series delves into themes of teenage violence, social isolation, bullying, and the lasting trauma caused by such events.
