Under the Bridge Review

 

Hulu's latest drama series, "Under the Bridge," is a gripping portrayal of the tragic murder of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk in 1997. The series, based on the meticulous work of author, Rebecca Godfrey titled "Under the Bridge: The True Story of the Murder of Reena Virk," delves into the harrowing events that unfolded in Saanich, Canada.  Godrey's narrative, now vividly brought to life on screen, explores the dark undercurrents of teenage relationships and the shocking violence that claimed Virk's life at the hands of her peers. 

The show opens with Virk, portrayed by Vritika Gupta, sitting expectantly in front of her school.  As the episode unfolds, we discover that she's just a regular teen, grappling with the complexities of life and striving to trying to find her place among the popular crowd. Despite her efforts, she faces relentless bullying and exclusion. The series adeptly portrays her struggles, as well as highlighting the challenges faced by other people around her. 

We are soon introduced to Cam Bentland, played by Lily Gladstone, a Native American woman in a predominantly white environment, both at home and on the force.  Her adoptive dad, Roy Bentland, the chief of police, played by Matt Craven had so much potential to dive deeper into their backstory. The tension, and their shared but separate struggles between the two officers from different worlds was something that could have added more layers to the story. 

In the subsequent scene, we're introduced to Rebecca Godfrey, portrayed by Riley Keough, a freelance reporter who returns to her hometown after decades of absence. As the series progresses, we gradually uncover her true motives. She's on a mission to gather materials for her book. The more she lurked around, the more I found myself wondering about her backstory. We do learn that she and Cam Bentland had some sort of relationship in the past, but they barely scratched the surface and left much to the imagination.  However, I still feel that no matter what Godrey's motivation would still dislike her. Whenever she appeared on the screen, it made me want to headbutt her.  

Shortly thereafter, we discover that Virk, has gone missing following an altercation with her peers. In the brief investigation that follows, Bentland faces resistance from her father, the chief of police for a deeper inquiry, opting to label Virk as a runaway. The show boldly confronts the harsh realities experienced by individuals with brown skin. As for the police investigation, they hesitated to pursue the case, dismissing any suggestion that Virk could have encountered malicious intent. 

The series delves further into the personal lives of the individuals connected to Virk's disappearance. Not long after they dismiss the missing teen, her lifeless body is found along the shoreline. With Virk's body found, the police scramble to make up for their initial oversight. By the series conclusion, the police force is able to quickly pinpoint those individuals involved in her tragic demise. 

Yet, as we learn about Virk's movements leading up to her final days, I can't help but feel that they could have gone deeper into her complex family dynamics. It's like we were handed the first page of a gripping novel, only to find the rest of the pages blank. I was definitely left curious about the 'whys" behind their actions and the 'hows' of their pasts. I was definitely left hanging and craving more details that would bring these characters to life. 

The series has captivated audiences, weaving a haunting and immersive experience that transcends the details one can find on the inter-webs.  It creates a visceral connection to the story, resonating deeply with viewers. In fact, it's a testament to the power of storytelling, transforming a historical account into an emotionally charged visual journey. 

Overall, the series did a decent job telling this true tale, but it definitely left me wanting more when it comes to the characters' depths. 

I give this series 3 out of 5 acorns.