Netflix’s fresh crime series gets top marks from critics

The new three-part Netflix show called The Witness just hit Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive score. Most of Netflix’s big releases spread across different types of stories, but crime docs often draw the biggest crowds. True crime fans usually expect a certain style, yet this series takes a different route. It zooms in on one real-life tragedy from 1992—Rachel Nickell’s murder in London—and uses it to explore how a young boy and his dad lived through the chaos afterward. Instead of focusing only on the crime itself, the series follows three-year-old Alex Hanscombe, who saw everything, and his father André as they tried to rebuild their lives. Back then, André was raising Alex alone while dealing with intense media pressure and shaky police work. The story also highlights how investigations can go wrong, showing the emotional toll on everyone involved.Behind the scenes, writer Rob Williams and director Alex Winckler shape the series with input from André and Alex themselves. Their real-life experiences help keep the story honest. The cast includes familiar faces like Jordan Bolger, known from Peaky Blinders, and other actors who bring depth to their roles. Critics point out that Bolger’s performance stands out, proving the show isn’t just another crime retelling. What makes The Witness different is how it avoids the usual true crime traps. Instead of shock value, it offers a thoughtful look at trauma and recovery. If it keeps this approach, it could join the ranks of other Netflix hits that surprised audiences with their quality.