Netflix’s New True Crime Drama ‘The Witness’ Receives Strong Rotten Tomatoes Score

Netflix’s new miniseries ‘The Witness’ has debuted to strong early reviews from critics, who are commending its emotional storytelling and powerful performances.

The four-part drama premiered on June 4 and recounts the tragic 1992 murder of Rachel Nickell, focusing on the challenging years that followed for her husband, André Hanscombe, and their son, Alex.

Unlike many true crime dramas, ‘The Witness’ shifts the focus away from the police investigation and instead highlights the enduring impact of the crime on a family grappling with profound loss. The series is inspired by ‘Letting Go,’ the memoir penned by Alex Hanscombe, who was just a child when his mother was murdered.

Jordan Bolger stars as André Hanscombe, with Max Fincham portraying Alex as a teenager and Jahsaiah Williams as young Alex. The supporting cast features Eleanor Williams as Rachel Nickell, Kerry Godliman as Grandma June, Neil Maskell as Detective Inspector Keith Pedder, and Steve Stamp as Robert Napper, among others.

The series has launched with an impressive 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes based on five published reviews. Critics have praised the show’s emotional depth and its focus on the human side of a case that garnered significant media attention in Britain.

Rebecca Nicholson of the Financial Times awarded the series four out of five stars, describing it as “largely a family drama, and a moving one.” Her review emphasizes that the show’s strength lies in its focus on the individuals left behind rather than the crime itself.

Chris Bennion from The Daily Telegraph also rated the drama four out of five stars, praising Jordan Bolger’s performance as André Hanscombe, calling it a “phenomenal, star-making performance.” Bennion believes Bolger’s portrayal is a significant factor in the series’ success.

Jack Seale at The Guardian commended the show’s depiction of grief and survival, giving it four out of five stars. He remarked, “They had to live it, without help or relief; ‘The Witness’ is a valuable insight into what that hell was like.” His review highlights the emotional weight carried throughout the series.

Pat Stacey of the Irish Independent also rated the show four out of five stars, noting that it distinguishes itself from many other productions in the true crime genre. Stacey wrote, “It’s unlike any true crime drama we’ve seen before, in that it’s not really a true crime drama at all. It’s primarily a story of survival in the most appalling circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Karina Adelgaard from Heaven of Horror was slightly less enthusiastic, giving the series three out of five stars. However, she appreciated the effort to remain true to real events, noting, “…you can see how they’ve used home videos (and other videos featured in the documentary) to hit as close to the truth as possible. I appreciate that immensely, as I can only imagine those who love and miss Rachel Nickell will.”

The early response indicates that ‘The Witness’ is making a significant impact by adopting a unique approach to true crime storytelling. Rather than focusing on the mystery or investigation, the series delves into themes of grief, survival, and the long-lasting effects of tragedy. Based on initial reviews, critics believe this emotional perspective is what sets the Netflix drama apart.

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