TV MINI-SERIES REVIEW
Under the Bridge
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Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 8 x 56m episodes
Director(s): Geeta Patel, Kevin Phillips, Catherine Hardwicke, Nimisha Mukerji, Quinn Shephard, Dinh Thai
Writer(s): Quinn Shephard, Ashley Cardiff, Jihan Crowther, Stuti Malhotra, Tom Hanada, Samir Mehta, Todd Crittenden, 
Cast: Lily Gladstone, Vritika Gupta, Chloe Guidry, Javon “Wanna” Walton, Izzy G., Aiyana Goodfellow, Ezra Faroque Khan with Archie Panjabi, Riley Keough
Where To Watch: The series will premiere on Hulu with two episodes on April 17, and new episodes will launch weekly

RAVING REVIEW: UNDER THE BRIDGE ushers viewers into the unsettling disappearance of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk. The series begins under a shroud of suspense, weaving through a complex investigation sparked by her sudden vanishing. The adaptation from Rebecca Godfrey's probing book exposes the grim undercurrents of adolescent interactions wrapped around a criminal investigation, capturing the audience with its chilling narrative. This results in one of the most unique and equally powerful “true crime” dramatizations I remember seeing.

Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone bring depth to their roles as Rebecca Godfrey and Officer Cam Bentland, respectively. The series explores the chaos and community upheaval that follow the crime. It keeps you on your toes, maneuvering through various timelines, presenting an exploration of events that leads to a multi-dimensional quest for justice, and always keeping an eye on the details because you never know if what you see is actually what you’re seeing.

The first episode, directed by Geeta Patel, hits the ground running with a blend of drama and suspense, setting a gripping tone for the series. In collaboration with screenwriter Quinn Shephard, Patel crafts a magnetic pull that reels the audience in from the first scene. Throughout the series, directors such as Kevin Phillips and Catherine Hardwicke layer the narrative with increasing tension and emotional depth, enhancing the unfolding drama episode by episode. While each episode has its unique flair, there is still a consistent tone throughout, which I appreciated; with so many writers and directors involved, that’s not always guaranteed.

The production team, spearheaded by Samir Mehta, Liz Tigelaar, and Tara Duncan, along with Riley Keough's dual role as lead and producer, delivers a powerfully authentic and emotionally charged series. Their concerted efforts ensure that each episode resonates deeply, melding visual storytelling with narrative complexity.

A standout episode, “Blood Oath,” delves into Reena’s backstory, offering viewers a glimpse into her past experiences with rebellion and exploring how she ended up where she was. These experiences add depth and context to her character and the events leading up to her disappearance. This journey of character growth is a testament to the series’ commitment to depth and complexity.

The dynamics among the characters are particularly compelling, with Keough's portrayal of Godfrey shining as she navigates the story. She enhances the investigative angle while driving the narrative forward. Gladstone’s portrayal of Bentland provides a reliable anchor amid the troubled youths' chaotic narratives, portrayed with nuance by Izzy G., Chloe Guidry, and others; the casting for this series was ideal.

UNDER THE BRIDGE distinguishes itself by engaging the audience with ethical dilemmas, captivating plot developments, and some of the best cliffhanger moments I’ve ever seen. The series encourages viewers to engage with a deeper purpose as the mystery unfolds, moving beyond passive viewership to active contemplation.

For those who gravitate towards narratives rich with intrigue, moral complexities, and human drama, UNDER THE BRIDGE is a must-see series. It offers a blend of sophisticated storytelling, strong performances, and adept direction, setting it up to make a lasting impact on the crime drama genre.

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