Netflix’s latest murder mystery offering is reigning supreme over its streaming charts despite a lukewarm critical reception.
Straight from the heart of Spain, this captivating thriller showcases an all-grown-up Ivana Baquero, the child star from Pan’s Labyrinth, now embroiled in a high-stakes murder as Maje, the spouse of the deceased Antonio Navarro Cerdán.
Carmen Machi, Tristán Ulloa, Pablo Molinero, Pepe Ocio and Álex Gadea are amongst the other talents gracing the screen.
A Widow’s Game, centred around a true-to-life homicide from 2017, places Maje at the forefront of suspicion in her husband’s stabbing, blowing the lid off her personal affairs amidst eye-catching headlines.
Its premise is tantalising: “When a man is found dead, the investigation shatters his widow’s perfect facade and exposes a hidden double life in this thriller based on real events.”
Collider was less impressed, conceding that the film “doesn’t really hit the mark” and branded it an “underwhelming whodunnit”.
Decider described the film as “a slightly-better-than-middling drama, professionally executed from a technical standpoint but a bit thin of screenplay”
In a mixed review, LeisureByte admitted: “I enjoyed watching A Widow’s Game, although I found myself a little confused with the documentary/fictional style of the storytelling. I felt like it clashed a bit and left to mystery in the middle.
“However, it’s the performances and the characters’ complexities that shine for me.”
Despite average reviews from critics, some viewers have been utterly enthralled by the riveting investigation.
One four-star Google review reads: “Despite these minor flaws, A Widow’s Game succeeds in keeping audiences engaged.
“The strong performances, solid writing, and the eerie fact that it may be based on true events make it a worthy watch for crime drama fans. It’s a chilling reminder that truth can sometimes be more unsettling than fiction.”
Meanwhile, a five-star review heaps further praise: “A Widow’s Game is an absolute masterclass in storytelling, direction, and performance.
“Based on a true event, this gripping film pulls you into its web of intrigue from the very first scene and doesn’t let go until the final frame.”
Will you decide for yourself and give A Widow’s Game a whirl this week?
A Widow’s Game is available to stream on Netflix.