There’s something inherently fascinating about crime exhibits. The American public is obsessive about them. It would not matter if the crime exhibits are fictional, like Legislation and Order, or correct crime retellings of precise instances.
The New Hulu miniseries Below the Bridge is a real crime drama based mostly on a novel by Rebecca Godfrey (1967-2022). It highlights the Canadian novelist’s investigation into the ugly homicide of Reena Virk in Saanich, British Columbia, in 1997.
The crime rocked the Saanich space and far of Canada primarily as a result of the Reena Virk killers consisted primarily of a gaggle of teenage women.
The Below the Bridge miniseries dramatizes the occasions considerably because it seems to be at what occurred when Godfrey went to Sannich to analyze the main points of the crime and write her novel.
Here is what we all know in regards to the miniseries, which focuses totally on how Godfrey (Riley Keough) and Officer Cam Bentland (Lily Gladstone) investigated the case.
Who Was Reena Virk?
Reena Virk was a troubled teen who had strained relationships with each her dad and mom and her friends. She rebelled towards the restrictions required by her dad and mom’ non secular beliefs a number of occasions.
At one level, Reena advised the authorities that her father molested her. She was quickly faraway from her house and strict surroundings however ultimately returned when the allegations have been deemed unfounded.
In the meantime, like a plot out of a Lifetime Film, Reena’s life additionally included many different challenges.
She was an outcast at college. She desperately wished to slot in, however different children always teased her about her weight and faith. In addition they preyed upon her different basic insecurities.
The younger women in Reena’s life have been particularly vicious.
They lived in British Columbia, Canada. Nonetheless, a few of them have been concerned in gang tradition just like that present in massive cities like Los Angeles. But, Reena longed for his or her acceptance.
How Was Reena Virk Killed?
Reena’s insecurities and longing to belong finally led to her dying. She trusted the fallacious particular person when she accepted an invite to a celebration by the Craigflower Bridge on Friday, November 14, 1997.
Throughout the occasion, six teenage women surrounded Reena and commenced harassing, beating, and burning her with cigarettes. They have been dubbed the Shoreline Six later.
Reena might need recovered after one of many women broke up the combat, however two teenagers adopted her as she was leaving. They have been Kelly Ellard and Warren Glowatski, a boy concerned within the battle sooner or later.
Glowatski and Ellard killed Reena collectively by beating and drowning her on the alternative facet of the Bridge from the place the primary beating occurred.
Thus, they cemented their locations amongst a number of the most infamous murderers, corresponding to Robert Durst.
How is the Below the Bridge Miniseries Going to Play Out?
In contrast to many true crime exhibits, this one focuses on a solved crime, so viewers might surprise what they’ll study from the miniseries. The reply is kind of a bit.
Below the Bridge might be launched on April 17, 2024, on Hulu. It has been greenlit as an eight-part miniseries, offering loads of time to dig into the nuances of the crime.
What Can Viewers Anticipate to See?
Little is thought about how the present will play out, however the crime and Godfrey’s guide are every anticipated to affect it closely.
It is usually fascinating that the miniseries takes a have a look at the crime from the views of the investigators.
By means of the eyes of Officer Cam Bentland (Lily Gladstone) and writer Rebecca Godfrey (Riley Keough), viewers can get an actual sense of what it was like to analyze the crime.
It’s believed that Reena Virk’s killers didn’t assault her purely as a result of she was unpopular.
The crime appeared to have racial motivations. It’s unclear how a lot or how little the collection will deal with the racial elements of the crime.
Who Are the Stars of Below the Bridge?
There are various nice exhibits on Hulu with big-name stars, however this miniseries consists of some relative unknowns.
Pritika Gupta was featured within the 2022 fantasy film Energy Down, however she had principally acted on stage and in brief movies previous to her position as Reena Vilk.
Izzy G., who performs Kelly Ellard, has not appeared on tv since enjoying Maddie within the collection B Constructive (2020-2021) and had few on-screen credit earlier than that.
It will likely be fascinating to see how each younger ladies deal with their Below the Bridge roles.
Extra standard actors concerned within the miniseries embody Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton and Riley Keough.
Walton has had a number of notable roles earlier than enjoying Warren Glowatski, together with voicing Pugsley Addams in The Addams Household 2 and enjoying Ashtray on Euphoria.
Keough has appeared in 43 films and exhibits earlier than Below the Bridge, together with enjoying Daisy Jones within the collection Daisy Jones & the Six (2023).
Is Below the Bridge the True Story of Reena Virk?
It stays to be seen how intently the collection will mirror precise occasions.
It’s certain to have some added dramatic components. Nonetheless, given the huge amount of knowledge on report in regards to the case, it’s going to probably come shut.
Solely time will inform.
Viewers who wish to know extra can view the official trailer for a touch of what is going to come.
Jessica Kosinski is a workers author for TV Fanatic. You possibly can comply with her on X.
