Teenagers have always been somewhat of a mystery. They are a whirlwind of emotions, acne, and constant mood swings. But despite their quirks, most teenagers are harmless and more concerned with scrolling through TikTok than anything else. However, this was not always the case. Back in the ’90s, popularity was defined by material possessions and wealth. Growing up during that time was tough, and the new limited series on Hulu, “Under the Bridge,” explores the brutal reality of adolescence in 1997.
Based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book, the series delves into a real-life crime that occurred in British Columbia in the fall of 1997. The crime captivated the province and drew intense media attention. The show focuses on the teenagers caught in the midst of the crime, with adult actors Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone delivering compelling performances. However, it is the teen actors who truly shine, bringing an unnerving sense of violence and volatility to the series.
The story revolves around the murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk, whose body was found on the shore of Gorge Inlet. The aftermath of the crime shook the local community to its core. Godfrey’s voiceover narration sets the stage for the narrative, highlighting the impact the crime had on the notion of protecting young girls. The show makes some modifications to the real story for dramatic effect, but it ultimately serves a larger thematic purpose. It explores the complexities of bullying and aggression among teenagers, shedding light on the darker side of youth culture.
“Under the Bridge” excels in revealing the unsettling nuances of teenage wickedness. The series alternates between the events leading up to Reena’s murder and the aftermath. We follow three of Reena’s attackers, Josephine Bell and her underlings Dusty and Kelly. All three girls have experienced troubled pasts, and their trauma manifests in aggressive behavior and a thirst for power. They navigate through Victoria’s corrupted youth culture, using fear as currency to gain respect and influence.
The series also introduces Cam Bentland, a local police officer who has a history with Rebecca and a deep understanding of the city’s youth culture. Cam’s character explores the complexities of rectifying a troubled past and the evolving dynamics between law enforcement and the community they serve. Both Keough and Gladstone deliver strong performances, with Keough’s character trying to navigate a dark relationship, and Gladstone’s character wrestling with her past and increasing distrust in the police force.
While the adult actors deliver impressive performances, Chloe Guidry steals the show as Josephine. Her portrayal of a troubled teenager is both shocking and relatable. She