User reviews

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.

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.

I started this show for Lily, Riley, and Archie, and while I'm only in episode 4, it's hard for me to want to continue because the content is really hard to watch. The acting is superb. The young actresses as well as the adults are wonderful but the girls' cruelty makes it really challenging. I may continue eventually, because it is well done and I imagine the story will go in great directions. Riley is always so strong and natural. And the Indian parents are heartbreakingly kind and loving. It also feels authentically 90s. Hoping it gets a good viewership for people less triggered by this kind of story because it feels honest and real.

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.

"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.

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"

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.

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.

My complaints about the show ( quality of)

• First few episodes are a little too slow and boring. I thought the episode when Reenas parents meet was unnecessary, I get they wanted to paint a picture of her dad, but it didn't need an entire boring episode.

• some of the characters seemed 2 dimensional

• seemed like they were trying to paint the ppl that committed these crimes as more of a victim than the actual victim . I have a feeling it's because this is based on Rebecca G. Book.

• acting wasn't great in the beginning, but it does get better toward the end.

My complaints about the characters ( I won't hold this against the show because they are playing real people)

I absolutely couldn't stand this Rebecca character.

Her relationship with these young kids is "cringe" and I rarely use that word, but it's true. As someone that has worked with kids before, the way she acts around them like they are best friends makes me lose respect for her, even if her goal is to write a book. Again , but if this is how the story actually went down, then she clearly didn't care about Reena. Her goal was to write about how ppl can make mistakes and are still good ppl no matter what, just because she had her own issues. And if this show is accurate to what really happened, I really think she had a crush on this boy, apparently she described him as " boyish good looks, a hearthrob" in her book. She cared more about him than about Reena. If they went of her book then I have a hard time believing any of the acting that was portrayed for Warren, obviously her pov is warped.

I can't imagine how Reenas family feels. It's one thing to acknowledge that ppl make mistakes, but it's another to feel more sorry for the ppl that are not the actual victims.

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.

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.

I hadn't heard about this horrific incident before watching the series and I haven't read the book (nor will I if the series is anything to go off). The overall filming and performances in this series are really good and I think it's important to raise awareness of stories like this in memory of those lost, in this case Reena.

The pacing is okay - it dragged out for more episodes than necessary. My biggest annoyance with this series, is Rebecca. I've read that for a start she wasn't actually involved with the police, so this fictionalised aspect seems like an unnecessary perspective. Especially when her involvement isn't really there to serve justice for the victim but rather to stick up for and protect a perpetrator. Her character is extremely annoying and acts like a child. Why is she hanging out with kids, it's just strange and gross under the circumstances. Like I say, I haven't read the book so I don't know if she portrays herself in this way but she isn't alive now to ensure she doesn't look like a creep and in my opinion she looks like one in this series.

As a "who did it" series it is decent and worth a watch, but because it is based on something tragic that really happened I just think the inaccuracy seems disrespectful and it would have been better if it was more Reena focused than Rebecca focused.

Under the Bridge

The TV mini series Under the Bridge is a true story adaptation of the murder of a teenage girl, of Indian descent, living in rural British Columbia, Canada. Reena tries so hard to fit in with the popular kids, who all happen to be wannabe thugs that live in an orphanage of sorts. Reena has a full family that love and support her, but she craves friendship, or belonging. A former resident of the orphanage comes back to write about the area, only to end up writing about what happens with the murder.

The miniseries was hard to like, but that was intentional. The girls that Reena tries so hard to like are completely irredeemable, terrible, disgusting and not worth the trouble that arises. I will never understand why people want to be so mean to each other. I will never understand why teenagers think rebellion means desiring a life in prison, thus earning some mysterious street cred that nobody cares about.

The production, the acting, the mystery and the 90s setting all work really well together, keeping my interest piqued week after week as the show aired. It was a truly appalling story, and my heart goes out to the family. But I'm glad the story was told so Reena was not forgotten.

There is only the first episode to really judge by, since I have to watch it on Disney+ and not Hulu, but it's got the potential to be really good. Unlike some, who have panned this because there's a white woman as the writer, a quick little research pulls up that Rebecca is based on the real-life writer of the book by the same name regarding this crime so the outrage seems misplaced.

It will be interesting to see how the handle the other aspects of this case regarding to the brutality of the teens mobs and the lacklustre interest apparently shown by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development.

It is a little weird that the one character who had kicked off the whole attack was renamed in this considering Nicole Cook, aka Josephine Bell, has been interviewed on MSNBC so she's a known participant in the assault.

Anyone who thinks this is a bad series I'd really like to know what you're watching that's so good. This show is riveting and utterly sad (because it happened).

It's as good as Fargo. Not as wacked out as a series like You (Netflix series) which is so over the top ridiculous

Kids like this actually exist, which is what's so tragic. Kids who are wannabe gangsters/mafia. Try so hard to be something they are not and struggle to find their place in a world that forgot about them and tossed them out like trash.

This is a good show and deserves a viewing and high praise.

The only negative is I do not like when streaming services break up the binge, I thought the days of waiting to watch a show were over with commercial TV. But they stretch it out so you keep your subscription through an entire series. This one is well worth it.

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.

'Under the Bridge' is supposed to be about Reena, but it turned out to be about Rebecca and Warren. Many series have the author as an executive director to ensure the book's underlying message and direction are conveyed the same in the series. But, that's it. The series or movie itself is another creative material, and they sometimes lose direction or objectivity of the situation when the author takes it too personally. Making Rebecca a character in the show makes everything messy.

Rebecca's story is on the side while Reena's story is the main narrative. Two are not very complementary. It feels as if Rebecca is trying to crawl to the center stage and to interrupt while Reena's holding the mike. Cam's search for her root and confusion about her ethnicity squeeze in as well, and 'Under the Bridge' feels crowded even though it's really not because the three storylines do not harmonize. Moreover, Rebecca's obsession with Warren's so called good heart and romantic relationship between Becca and Cam cram into already existing chaos so suddenly, popping out of nowhere.

However, it's just hard not to watch the next episode. Please tell me more!! What happened under the bridge, teenagers' struggles and loneliness, and the process of bullying and what's going on in the victim's and perpetrator's mind while bullying are persuasively and engrossingly portrayed.

It's a decent murder mystery. I just watched Natalie Dormer's "White Lies," another new murder mystery, and the difference in production value is big, with "Under the Bridge" being much better. One theme that's similar is the characters lie a lot so you never know what's what

The acting is alright. The "gang" of girls are convincingly annoying teenagers, and you can easily tell who's the good kid, who's the psycho, who's trying to fit in, etc. Lily Gladstone is the standout for me. I like Riley Keough, but her performance here is similar to her usual ones, so if you didn't like her before, this won't change your mind.

The murder mystery is okay, but aside from being based on a true story, there isn't much to suck you in make the series feel special. It feels like a surface-level dive into the tragic events and characters. Especially if you compared it to true detective for instance.

A kid is found dead, which is a sad story. The children are mostly troubled, but the show depicts most of them as misfits who cause a lot of trouble, and not in a fun or endearing way. Even Reena herself. So in the end I found it hard to be invested enough in the characters care for them. It's an okay watch but not something that will stick with you.