Hulu’s newest limited series relies heavily on its basis in a true story. It delves into the tragic case of the disappearance and killing of Reena Virk, a 14-year-old in Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. However, it diverges from the typical mystery narrative. Right from the start, viewers are aware of what happened to Reena, who was responsible, and the motives behind it.
This is what makes Under the Bridge chilling. It doesn’t follow the usual conventions of a mystery or claim to explore the reasons why a group of teens would commit such a crime against a classmate. Instead, it highlights the unsettling reality: the senseless cruelty stemmed from commonplace racism, peer pressure, and societal apathy.
The girls responsible are undeniably frightening. Josephine Brooks (Chloe Guidry) is the assertive alpha, quick to assert dominance with sharp and decisive actions. Then there's Kelly Ellard (Izzy G), the chilling and deadly second-in-command. These girls styled themselves as "gangstas," idolizing figures like John Gotti and glorifying organized crime violence. Their cruelty wasn't confined to Dusty (Aiyana Goodfellow), a fellow Black resident at Josephine’s group home; it was particularly targeted at Reena, a reserved and longing outsider desperate for companionship, harboring a budding fixation on the Notorious BIG.
Our two leads are adults. One is Riley Keough’s character, Rebecca Godfrey, a writer immersed in crafting a book about the misunderstood female youth of Victoria Island, particularly those like Jo from the Seven Oaks group home. "Under the Bridge" draws inspiration from Godfrey’s real-life book of the same title.
Becca cautiously forms a relationship with Jo, who, in an attempt to impress her, reveals her involvement in Reena's fate as early as Episode 2. Jo takes pride in her actions, unaware of Becca’s revulsion, compounded by Becca’s own deep-seated traumas tied to Victoria and the loss of her brother.
The other main character is Cam Bentland, a local police officer portrayed by the fantastic Lily Gladstone. Cam is frustrated with her apathetic police force, disinterested in investigating the disappearance of any young girl, let alone Reena.
All of the young girls share culpability in what they did to Reena. However, in Episode 2, Jo's admission to Becca unveils her own deeper involvement: she pursued Reena, subjected her to further violence, and ultimately pushed her into the water.
The two-part premiere of Under the Bridge concludes with the discovery of Reena's body, providing closure for her family and the police force that initially dismissed her disappearance. Becca is aware of the truth, but her ties to Cam and the town complicate her stance, hinting at numerous characters harboring secrets to be unveiled in future episodes.
Under the Bridge airs Tuesdays on Hulu.
