If you’re a true crime fan, Netflix’s “The Witness” is a must-watch as the streaming giant releases this three-part drama series based on true story of a father and son navigating grief, identity, and their relationship in the aftermath of a real 1992 London murder that changed both their lives forever.
The story centers on André Hanscombe and his young son, Alex, who was only two years old when he became the sole witness to his mother’s brutal murder.
It follows their lives over more than a decade as they struggle with overwhelming grief, endure intense media attention in the UK, and attempt to rebuild their lives while moving between France and Spain in search of privacy and stability.
The screenplay, written by Rob Williams in close collaboration with the real André and Alex Hanscombe, aims to present an intimate and truthful account of their experiences.
It also explores the strain placed on lead investigator Keith Pedder, played by Neil Maskell, as well as the controversial and ultimately unsuccessful undercover operation that wrongly targeted Colin Stagg.
The Witness is based on true events and also draws from published material. In 2017, Alex Hanscombe released his memoir Letting Go, in which he reflected on his earliest memories of the tragedy, its aftermath, and the lasting impact it had on his family and wider community.
