Insights from Showrunners: Exploring the Basis of ‘Under the Bridge’ – Connections with Reena Virk’s Father, Source Material, and Additional Details

In the new crime drama series “Under the Bridge,” creators Quinn Shephard and Samir Mehta delve into the tragic true story of Reena Virk’s murder. Based on Rebecca Godfrey’s best-selling book, the eight-part limited series premiered on Hulu with its first two episodes on April 17. The rest of the season will air weekly on Wednesdays.

Mehta revealed that while working on the series, he was in contact with Reena’s father, Manjit Virk. They also optioned his book, which played a significant role in telling the story. Shephard and Mehta spoke about their research process, discussing how they gained a “local perspective” on the complex murder case.

The show was filmed in Vancouver, near the location where Virk’s murder took place, adding depth to the storytelling. Mehta shared that almost every week during filming, they encountered someone with a personal connection to the case. This proximity to the community allowed the show to be imbued with a local perspective, as they were surrounded by people who had lived through the events.

Before her passing in 2022, Godfrey was consulted by Shephard and Mehta in the early stages of creating the series. They had access to her meticulous archives and seven years of research. Shephard expressed her gratitude for Godfrey’s contribution, stating that she had been interviewing her for the past three years. The creators aimed to include every pivotal detail about the crime, drawing from articles, Godfrey’s book, and Manjit’s book.

The story behind “Under the Bridge” is based on the real-life murder of Reena Virk in 1997. The case inspired Godfrey’s book, which was released in 2005. Virk was invited to a party by a group of teens called the “Shoreline Six” in Saanich, British Columbia. The gathering began in a field behind Shoreline School but was moved to a location under a bridge after authorities arrived to shut it down.

At the bridge, Virk was brutally beaten by the teens, who left her with cigarette burns and other injuries. Although she managed to walk away when one of the girls told them to stop, she was followed by two attackers. They dragged her to another side of the bridge, removed her clothes, and beat her again before disposing of her body in the water.

Virk’s body was found eight days later, and the coroner ruled her cause of death as drowning. However, the severe injuries she sustained would have been enough to cause death regardless. The coroner reported multiple blows to her abdominal area, extensive bruising under her skin, and eighteen pebbles in her lungs.

The murder was the result of tensions between Virk and her schoolmates, with Virk allegedly spreading rumors about one of the girls who bullied her. The case sparked widespread media outcry about teenage bullying among girls, and there was debate about whether racism played a role in the murder. Multiple teens involved in the crime received sentences.

“Under the Bridge” is now streaming on Hulu, offering audiences a chance to explore this heartbreaking true story. The series brings together extensive research, personal perspectives, and a local connection to tell a story that sheds light on the consequences of bullying and violence. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and addressing these issues in our society today.