Under the Bridge

So I want to start this review out by saying- if you are really into true crime docs and podcasts and that is your main pull to this series, it may not be the show for you. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of that- but they don't take the often exploitative approach that the true crime genre often takes. For me, this has been an incredible series- from the screenplay, to casting, to acting and sequence of episodes. I am usually seeped in emotions throughout the show, ranging from anger to sadness to sympathy and empathy- bc this is a story about kids, some of them deeply failed by the adults in their life, others just not in a place they can appreciate it yet (like most teenagers). So I would not say watch this for a comfort show, but if you find comfort in connecting deeply through characters on screen, then maybe it's for you. I also really appreciate that they used age-appropriate actors for the kids. It feels more genuine and able to recognize, that these were all effing kids, which is mind blowing.

As someone who was a 16 year old girl living in Vancouver, BC, Canada when this happened this is a really hard watch.

Knowing how brutal teenage girls can be as someone who was beat up for being poor.

This story should be told because Reena deserved justice that I believe she was never given. Everyone need to remember her not the scumbags who did this.

This show is shot, written and acted great it but hits too close to home knowing the real story.

RIP Reena you deserved so much more than the short life you got. They robbed you and your family in so many ways.

I think about you and my friend Brandy who were killed so brutally for just being.

"Under the Bridge" is a tragic story with no happy ending, so the creators make a good decision to cast the series with a potpourri of acting talent to lure us in, and it works. First, Lily Gladstone, a shining star on the heels of her Oscar nomination. Next, Riley Keough who is lucky to have inherited the talented genes of her grandfather Elvis. Then Javon Walton or Ashtray from "Euphoria" who is now all grown up and can really flex his dramatic acting chops, while channeling a young Ryan Philippe. And the show is lucky to have cast Archie Panjabi, a veteran British actress typically in detective roles, but here she plays the role of the mother so delicately. And this is my first time ever seeing Vritika Gupta, so talented as she does a complex portrayal of Reena. Lastly, let's give credit to Izzy G who surprises me at the end.

The show should have been predominantly about Reena. Sometimes it felt like she was an afterthought and that it was "the Rebecca Godfrey show". Like it was more about Rebecca's trauma than the Virks's. As a resident of Victoria for over 35 years, this crime has stuck with me, so my one criticism is that it didn't focus on Reens enough.

That said, the acting is superb and the portrayals of Warren and Kelly are spot on, Kelly in particular. There has never been any warmth behind the eyes of Ellard. She is a psychopath and any native Victorian knows this. Make no mistake, that woman is a monster and has manipulated the Canadian justice system as much as possible. Read up on it if you're not in the know.

At the end of the day it captures what a senseless tragedy this truly is and should be shown to adolescents to understand the depths of racism, bullying and the need for acceptance.

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.