Picture Credit: Netflix
Netflix’s 3-part drama The Witness takes viewers back to 1990s England to retell the murder of Rachel Nickell, and the following (controversial) police investigation. Above all, it covers the huge emotional impact it had on single parent André Hanscombe and his son Alex — they grapple with the awful tragedy that changed the trajectory of their lives. We follow along in their powerful journey of resilience, spanning over a decade.
In recent years, Netflix has covered some of the biggest true crime stories in British history, most notably and successfully with Baby Reindeer, Toxic Town, and, more recently, Legends. In the streamer’s latest drama, The Witness, we’re taken back to 1992, when Rachel Nickell (played by Eleanor Williams) was murdered on Wimbledon Common. By her side was her two-year-old son, Alex Hanscombe — the only witness to the brutal murder, in which she was stabbed over 40 times. Rachel’s partner, André Hanscombe, became a single parent overnight.
The murder case sparked unimaginable media attention, and both Alex and André were unable to live quiet lives. André couldn’t easily nurture Alex when media attention was permanently on them. What’s more, the investigation into the murder of Rachel had immense complications — not least the fact that their 2-year-old Alex was the only witness, and unable to recall events. The police found themselves trying to solve the case through increasingly unorthodox and controversial methods, including the infamous arrest and prosecution of Colin Stagg, the victim of an undercover operation aimed at pushing a confession. Stagg was later acquitted. The real killer, Robert Napper, wasn’t apprehended until 15 years later.
The series isn’t a standalone drama. Rather, Netflix has decided to release it alongside a feature documentary, titled The Murder of Rachel Nickell, which fills in gaps left in the series and dives deeper into the police investigation. The dramatisation, which we’re focusing on, is created by Rob Williams (Killing Eve, Screw), and helmed by BAFTA-nominated director Alex Winckler (Mary & George and My Mad Fat Diary). The series sought out both André and Alex Hanscombe to be involved as consultants. Their involvement adds a major layer of authenticity to the story, allowing viewers a look into their lives and experiences first-hand.
Picture Credit: Rekha Garton/Netflix
From the get-go, I rejoiced that the show avoided a big trap that befalls many a true crime drama: writer Williams and director Winckler push aside sensationalism. Instead, they keep it raw and rooted in human emotion. It pays utmost respect to those affected most; it certainly helps that Alex and Andre were involved directly.
Of course, the police investigation following the murder of Rachel Nickell spanned over a decade. Most famously, it saw the arrest of Colin Stagg, who became one of the most famous names to come out of the case. Stagg’s acquittal represented one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history. The real murderer was later found to be Robert Napper. One thing I’m glad of is that the series could’ve quite easily dramatised and exploited the ‘whodunnit’ side of the story, but it respects the volatile nature of the real-life source material. Rather than lean heavily into whodunnit territory, it delivers the right facts at the right times, not hiding or embellishing elements for dramatic purposes (that said, it is a drama and creative liberties are expected, but they’re kept to a minimum). The police investigation is a big part of the series, but it always circles back to the personal circumstances of father and son duo André and Alex. It’s their story, not a police procedural.
The Witness. (L to R) Jahsaiah Williams as Alex Hanscombe, Jordan Bolger as André Hanscombe, in The Witness. Cr. Courtesy of Ana Blumenkron/Netflix © 2026
The writers decide to break up the story through non-linear storytelling, but it doesn’t lose a gripping atmosphere as a result. The staggered approach works a treat for a case of this type. It shapes how we, as an audience, experience their long road to justice. In staggering the narrative, we’re presented with the raw facts and given a rounded explanation of why specific details in the case led to national controversies (for instance, the incorrect prosecution of Colin Stagg).
The performance of Jordan Bolger (Peaky Blinders, The 100) as André is top-draw. At the start, his immediate emotion and shock at the murder of Nickall is a chilling beginning to the journey. As he continues, we see André managing life as a single parent, dealing with the high-pressure media landscape — and most of all, having to raise a child from toddler, to rebellious teenager, to young adult. Hitting all of these big markers in the journey is a tough gig for an actor, but he achieves it. His performance isn’t exaggerated or anything more than it needed to be; he plays tribute to André Hanscombe through a respectful and raw performance. Meanwhile, the actors of Alex Hanscombe change with age — being played by young actors Jahsaiah Williams & Max Fincham — who both show a high level of consistency across the story.
At its core, The Witness is the story of a father and son, documenting and deconstructing their trauma, emotional response, and journey in the years following the tragedy. It’s a study of how the cold murder of Rachel Nickell changed the trajectory of their lives; the media pressure and constant attention saw André move to France and then Spain. In fact, towards the end, there’s a specific scene that sums up what The Witness is all about. As a rebellious teenager, Alex disrespected his father, but once he grows older, that teenage insolence turns to pure respect; Alex is guilty for his previous actions towards his father. There’s a scene in the finale where the two discuss the case and its conclusion following the new about Robert Napper. “I once told you that I don’t respect you, Dad. And I meant it,” Alex says. “I don’t feel that way anymore. I’ve got nothing but respect for what you’ve done for me.”
The Witness. (L to R) Max Fincham as Alex Hanscombe, Jordan Bolger as André Hanscombe, in The Witness. Cr. Courtesy of Sophie Köehler/Netflix © 2026
It’s that poignant moment that makes you understand what the series is about: the bond between a father and son. Even when trialed, pushed away from each other, and after myriad disagreements, they remain there for each other, and that’s what Rachel would have wanted.
The series adapts the memoir Letting Go: A true story of murder, loss and survival by Alex Hanscombe. It hits all the same emotional beats, capturing the themes of resilience, understanding, and — ultimately — healing. For those familiar with the story from its years on the headlines, this series brings humanity to it and contextualises key moments through the eyes of both Alex and André. For those less acquainted, it’s an extremely profound and powerful story, pitting the experiences of a father and son at the centre of the narrative, rather than focusing entirely on a police investigation.
MVP
Jordan Bolger — Bolger has already received critical recognition for some of his roles, but the performance his delivers in The Witness is his most award-worthy yet for individual honours. His performance is visceral and poignant, taking viewers on a truly heart-rending journey.
Watch The Witness on Netflix if you like:
- The Murder of Rachel Nickell (this is an official companion documentary to The Witness)
- Toxic Town
- The Ripper
- Amanda Knox
Verdict
The team behind The Witness made all the right calls to make it as authentic as possible. From meaningful, first-hand input from those directly involved to strong writing and stellar performances, this series will stick with you after the credits roll, just as the story has continued to captivate the British public. It brings all the moving parts together and presents them to viewers in a thoughtful, powerful drama.
