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The Murder of Rachel Nickell

Play trailer Poster for The Murder of Rachel Nickell 2026 Crime Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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In 1992, a young mother is killed in broad daylight on London’s Wimbledon Common, leaving her two-year-old toddler as the sole witness. Exploring the shocking real events behind the drama series The Witness, this gripping documentary from BAFTA-nominated director Lucy Bowden examines the notorious, years-long police investigation that followed. Featuring exclusive archive footage, first-hand accounts from family members, and insights from leading forensic experts, the film unpacks how a flawed, highly-publicized inquiry led to the wrong man's prosecution, before a stunning breakthrough reignited a family's fight for justice over a decade later.

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The Murder of Rachel Nickell

Critics Reviews

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Romey Norton InSession Film 1d
B+
The Murder of Rachel Nickell serves as a reminder that behind every headline lies a family forever changed. It asks audiences to look beyond the crime itself and consider the lives affected by it. Go to Full Review Karina Adelgaard Heaven of Horror 1d
4/5
These true crime documentaries can be made in many ways, and I applaud the approach in this case. It has a very sombre feeling to it, and the case is covered through new interviews with both... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Weather B. @weatherwoman 20h One of the best documentaries I’ve seen. See more Sean W @RT47329216 1d First and foremost to see the partner of Rachel describe with an incredible depth of emotional energy the nightmare he has experienced with his son is absolutely heart wrenching. I knew this was not going to be an easy watch, but I just felt I wanted to lean into the screen and hug this brave man who has managed to keep it together enough to raise his son. The documentary lays out the errors of investigators to follow up properly on incidents that could have prevented the perpetrator being free to commit the crimes, but what hits home is the strength of the father and son to relay the story from their perspective. Really well put together documentary and a hard but must watch. See more Read all reviews
The Murder of Rachel Nickell

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Lucy Bowden

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The Murder of Rachel Nickell

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Movie Info

Synopsis In 1992, a young mother is killed in broad daylight on London’s Wimbledon Common, leaving her two-year-old toddler as the sole witness. Exploring the shocking real events behind the drama series The Witness, this gripping documentary from BAFTA-nominated director Lucy Bowden examines the notorious, years-long police investigation that followed. Featuring exclusive archive footage, first-hand accounts from family members, and insights from leading forensic experts, the film unpacks how a flawed, highly-publicized inquiry led to the wrong man's prosecution, before a stunning breakthrough reignited a family's fight for justice over a decade later.
Director
Lucy Bowden
Distributor
Netflix
Genre
Crime, Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 4, 2026