Under the Bridge

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.

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.

"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.

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 knew nothing about the case or this adaptation of the story prior to watching it. I was skeptical if I would even make it past the first episode because this type of drama isn't really my preference. Surprisingly, as the multi-generational back stories were told I really enjoyed learning about the many characters. The acting was average for a cast most of whom I have never see before.

The story itself was tragic and full of betrayal at every turn leading to the murder. Once the law closes in and arrests made it was all downhill for me. The mystery is solved by the very unspectacular truths. The rest of the episodes have to rely on dull drama and acting which bored me to tears.

There were many unexplained "evidence" items or material references that just fell off the map. If it was important enough to put onscreen and discussed then why leave them out at the end?

I gave the series a 5 because its definitely worth watching the first half of the season although there is a serious drop off in the second half.