‘Under the Bridge’ rave reviews boost Emmy prospects for this true-crime story
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Hulu’s “Under the Bridge” could be the next big hit in the Best Limited Series category at this year’s Emmys, as this is a category that loves true crime miniseries. This one documents the harrowing murder of Reene Virk as police officers try to solve the case and a writer (Rebecca Godfrey) is drawn into the hidden world of those accused of murdering Virk. The series is based on Godfrey’s own book of the same name with “Daisy Jones & the Six” star Riley Keough, who also produces, portraying her. Meanwhile, “Killers of the Flower Moon” Best Actress Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone features as the police officer investigating the case.
This eight-episode miniseries, like any true crime series, is a tough watch at times but that makes it all the more vital. Meanwhile, the performances of Keough, Gladstone, and the teen-centric cast are all exquisite, as noted by critics.
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Joey Moser (Awards Daily) observed: “‘Under the Bridge’ is an eye-opening and harrowing series that forces the viewer to stare back at the ugly truths of prejudice, anger, and those who feel like they were left behind.”
Richard Roeper (Chicago Sun-Times) noted: “‘Under the Bridge’ works as a retelling of a specific time-and-place story, but also a sobering reminder this sort of thing still happens to this day, and far too often.
Peter Travers (ABC News) claimed: “The talent fronting this harrowing, haunting eight-part, true-crime limited series is phenomenal. Lily Gladstone, Riley Keough and a gifted cast of newcomers deliver a shocking experience to remember. You won’t know what hit you.”
Coleman Spilde (The Daily Beast) stated: “It’s the teen actors who run away with the series. They give the show an unnerving, deeply gut-wrenching sense of volatility and violence, one which makes ‘Under the Bridge’ almost impossible to look away from.”
Aramide Tinubu (Variety) explained: “Sharp and devastating, with a ’90s hip-hop soundtrack laced throughout, Under the Bridge is an absorbing examination of cruelty, why some people receive empathy over others and how our own biases can prevent us from recognizing the truth.”
Currently, our predicted five nominees for Best Limited Series are “Fargo,” “Lessons in Chemistry,” “Baby Reindeer,” “True Detective: Night Country,” and “Ripley.” However, there are several strong reasons to back “Under the Bridge” here.
Firstly, Emmy voters love a true story in this category. “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” “Pam & Tommy,” “Inventing Anna,” “Dopesick,” “The Dropout,” “The Underground Railroad,” “Mrs. America,” and “Unbelievable” were all nominated in recent years for recounting real-life events.
Specifically, however, true crime dramas has been the flavor of the month for the past several years now. Viewers and voters alike love watching the grisly true tales of real-life murders. In the last several years, the likes of “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” “Unbelievable,” “When They See Us,” “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” and “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story” have all been nominated.
“Baby Reindeer” is a true story and, technically, is also a true crime story, but “Under the Bridge” is much more of the out-and-out true crime/murder series that Emmy voters love. Five of the last eight years have featured at least one of these in the Best Limited Series lineup so it seems like voters will make room for one this year. “Under the Bridge” fills that gap nicely.
The fact that Gladstone is the star also helps, as her Oscar prowess adds some gravitas to proceedings. She was just nominated for Best Actress for “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Emma Stone prevailed in the end for “Poor Things” but Gladstone is very much a performer of the moment and voters may be inclined to vote for her here. Plus, Gladstone’s co-star Keough is also having a good year. Her show “Daisy Jones & the Six” was nominated for Best Limited Series last year while she was also cited for Best TV Movie/Limited Series Actress. Again, her currency right now could propel the show to a bid here.
Plus, this category feels like an open race this year. “Fargo” and “Lessons in Chemistry” look like the only two locks as they have done well at other major awards groups this year. The British series “Baby Reindeer” is still something of an unknown quality while “Ripley” has suffered from some so-so reviews. The fact that “Shōgun” switched from this category to Best Drama Series also frees up a slot, so it does seem like any show could get in. And why not “Under the Bridge?” It has the pedigree, it fits voters’ tastes, and it has the critical support needed. Check, check, check.
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