Hulu has recently released a new true-crime series titled "Under the Bridge," which takes inspiration from the late Rebecca Godfrey's non-fiction book. The show delves into the chilling details of the brutal murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk. The first two episodes of the series, premiered on April 17, unfold the timeline leading up to Virk's tragic death and the subsequent investigation.

Created by Quinn Shephard, the series presents the events surrounding Virk's murder through the eyes of Godfrey, a journalist who grew up in Victoria, British Columbia. Godfrey's novel about teenage girls in her hometown took a haunting turn when news of Virk's murder reached her in New York City during the late 90s. Portrayed by Riley Keough in the series, Godfrey was deeply affected as the young girls involved in the crime seemed completely ordinary.

The show also focuses on Cam Bentland, played by Lily Gladstone, a local police officer who dedicated herself to solving the case. Together, Godfrey and Bentland unravel the horrifying series of events that transpired.

Manjit Virk, Reena's father, penned a book titled "Reena: A Father's Story" in 2008, shedding light on his daughter's life and tragic demise. Reena Virk grew up feeling like an outsider and endured bullying throughout her youth. Compounded by her complex relationship with her Indian Canadian parents who raised her as a Jehovah's Witness, Virk found herself gradually gravitating towards a group of teenagers, including Nicole Cook.

The novel "Under the Bridge" reveals that Virk allegedly spread rumors about Cook, mentioning her having fake breasts, colored contact lenses, and even AIDS. These rumors catalyzed a confrontation between Virk and Cook at a social gathering near the Craigflower Bridge in Saanich on November 14, 1997. The altercation escalated when Cook put out a cigarette on Virk's forehead, leading both her best friend, Kelly Ellard, and Missy Grace Pleich to join the attack, eventually involving others from the group, including Warren Glowatski.

Though Virk managed to escape, Ellard and Glowatski pursued her, relentlessly assaulting and drowning her in the water. A coroner's report obtained by Vice indicated that Virk sustained multiple injuries before her demise.

Police discovered Reena Virk's body eight days after the fateful incident, on November 22, 1997. The six girls involved in the initial assault, known as the "Shoreline Six," faced convictions in juvenile court. They received sentences ranging from 60-day conditional sentences to one year in jail.

The show's creators, Quinn Shephard and Samir Mehta, spoke about the importance of casting actors who were the same age as the real-life perpetrators. They emphasized the dedication of the young cast members in portraying the subject matter responsibly. Social workers and trauma counselors were available on set to offer support during the filming of the intense scenes.

"Under the Bridge" aims to prompt self-reflection and deeper examination of societal factors that contribute to such tragic incidents. Mehta expressed hope that the series would inspire viewers to consider their own potential involvement or awareness in such scenarios. Additionally, Gladstone emphasized the significance of focusing on the truth and the victim rather than sensationalizing the crime, urging a more introspective societal discussion.

As the series continues to captivate audiences, "Under the Bridge" serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding the complexities surrounding crimes and their impact on individuals and communities.