Netflix thriller shoots to top of the charts despite ‘underwhelming' reviews

A murder mystery film is currently at the top of Netflix's movie chart - but is it worth watching?
Netflix's new murder mystery film is currently dominating the streaming charts, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.
Hailing from Spain, this intriguing thriller stars a familiar face who becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder case.
‌
A Widow's Game features Pan's Labyrinth's child star Ivana Baquero, now all grown up as Maje, the wife of murder victim Antonio Navarro Cerdán. Carmen Machi, Tristán Ulloa, Pablo Molinero, Pepe Ocio and Álex Gadea also star.
‌
Based on a real-life murder in 2017, Maje becomes the prime suspect in the fatal stabbing and the sensational headlines expose her private life.
A synopsis reads: '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."
This true crime drama unfortunately hasn't been a hit with critics, but Netflix subscribers clearly can't get enough as it's currently at the top of the streamer's film chart worldwide.
Collider admitted the thriller 'doesn't really hit the mark', calling it an "underwhelming whodunnit".
Decider called it 'a slightly-better-than-middling drama, professionally executed from a technical standpoint but a bit thin of screenplay.'
‌
And LeisureByte said in their mixed review: '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 the middling professional reviews, some subscribers have been captivated by the stunning investigation.
A four-star Google review says: '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.'
While a five-star review took the praise a step further: '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 make up your own mind and give A Widow's Game a try this week?
A Widow's Game is available to stream on Netflix.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Record

3 hours ago

• Daily Record

Pride of Scotland hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli are gearing up for the biggest night of the year

The comedy duo can't wait to celebrate Scotland's unsung heroes at our People's oscars. With just one day to go until the Pride of Scotland Awards, hosts Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli are getting ready to "gie it laldy" for the nation's unsung heroes. The comedy duo are taking the helm again at our People's Oscars and can't wait to give our inspirational 2025 winners a night they will remember forever. ‌ Despite being two of the biggest names in Scottish showbiz both admit when it comes to Pride's incredible unsung heroes, they are the ones who are left starstruck. ‌ Sanjeev, who is one of the standout stars of new Netflix hit Department Q, said: 'The Pride of Scotland Awards are massive and the number of big names who turn out to celebrate our nation's most inspiring people is phenomenal. 'But what the unsung heroes don't realise is that they are the ones who leave the celebrities starstruck because their selfless achievements are far greater. 'As a judge I already know their jaw-dropping stories of bravery and compassion so when you meet them in real life you can't help but be affected. 'They may have eyes like saucers when they see all the stars on the red carpet tomorrow night but mine will be the size of dinner plates when the winners join me and Elaine on stage.' The Still Game star added: 'This will be my third year as host and it's the most fantastic and heart-warming and uplifting event in my calendar. ‌ 'I feel we owe it to all the winners to give them as good a night as possible - it's the least we can do after what they do so selflessly for others." Sanjeev, who starred in BBC hit comedy Dinosaur, admitted he has lost count of all the stand-out moments over the years. He said: 'Last year it was Wilson the miniature Shetland pony in a kilt that really got me. He was wearing two wee pairs of shoes from Build-A-Bear. I truly never thought I would see a pony wearing Converse. ‌ 'His adorable outfit aside - the work Wilson and his owners Elaine and John Sangster do at Therapy Ponies Scotland is incredible. 'Elaine said their wee horses sense when someone needs a boost. I think we should send a whole herd of horses into war zones as everyone would instantly drop their weapons.' ‌ The former River City actor added: 'Another of the 2024 winners who struck a chord with me was John Aitchison, the firefighter who has helped set up the first fire service on Mount Everest. 'The world is getting more insular and intolerant. Just look at Trump deporting anyone who isn't American and then you have Scots guys like John going around the world saying humans are humans and it doesn't matter about the colour of your skin or DNA. That really speaks to me as the son of an immigrant.' From acts of kindness and selfless bravery to raising millions for charity the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises will salute the nation's unsung heroes. ‌ A host of stars from the worlds of TV, film, music, sport and politics will descend on The Hilton Glasgow tomorrow night to honour the winners. Rob C Nesbitt legend Elaine agrees with Sanjeev about it being one of the most uplifting nights of the year and an antidote to what is going on in the world right now. The gran-of-two, who was given the Freedom of Glasgow earlier this year, said: 'Pride of Scotland brings the light in dark times. ‌ 'There are so many horrific and heartbreaking events happening in the world just now from the situation in the Middle East to the terrible aeroplane crash in India. 'These awards are a reminder to everyone that there is still so much good in the world with folk looking out for their neighbours and going above and beyond to help others in their communities. 'I did a Sunday Mail column for many years and I used to include an 'Angel of the Week' section to highlight the ordinary Scots who are doing extraordinary things. ‌ 'The room tomorrow night will be full to the rafters with 'angels' who are quietly making a massive difference to the world which gladdens my soul and lifts my heart.' She added: 'This is my fifth Pride and like Sanjeev said there have been so many magical moments but one of my all time favourites was in 2023 when the hard man of football Graeme Souness started crying on stage while talking about his hero – Isla Grist. "The teenager has epidermolysis bullosa – a rare and painful skin disorder which causes her skin to burn and blister at the slightest touch. She inspired the football legend to swim the channel and raise £4.5million for drug trials – just incredible. ‌ 'Another standout came in 2022 when I spotted Lulu in the audience and started belting out the first few notes of Shout as a gag. Next thing I knew she was on stage singing her hit and getting everyone to join in - to this day I believe she only did it to stop me singing. 'Last year seeing wee Wilson trotting along the red carpet in his kilt will be something I will never forget - they really are awards like no other.' ‌ Elaine, who became a gran for the second time last year, admitted the Children of Courage get her every year and paid tribute to 2022 winner Zac Gunn who passed away a few weeks ago. She said: 'I have to gird my loins every year to stop myself from greetin.' The kids just melt my heart especially wee Zac who passed away this month just weeks after having a long-awaited lung transplant. I will never forget his huge grin when Paw Patrol came on stage and presented him with his award. 'That wee child fought so hard to live and his death is heartbreaking. My love goes out to his dad Gordon, mum Ashley and brother Jacob.' ‌ Dad-of-three Sanjeev added: 'As a daddy the kids' stories have me in bits every time. Picking the winners from a shortlist is so tough and I feel so guilty - it's like someone telling me I have to pick a favourite child from my own three. 'It's truly astonishing what the Children and Teenagers of Courage bring to this world - such huge altruism from such little people. 'Maybe if adults channelled their less jaded and cynical attitude to life the world would be a better place. Most of these kids are suffering yet they still strive to support and raise funds for others. They are truly remarkable.' ‌ We launched our search for our local heroes of 2025 back in January and were inundated with thousands of nominations from across the nation. Categories include The Emergency Services Award, Teenager of Courage, Young Fundraiser, Outstanding Bravery, The King's Trust Young Achiever, Special Recognition and The P&O Cruises Inspiration Award. One of the biggest names attending tomorrow night's glittering ceremony is Succession legend Brian Cox, who is getting ready to take the stage at the Dundee Rep in new play Make It Happen about the Bank of Scotland's role in the 2008 financial crash. ‌ Other stars who will be honouring the winners include Sheli McCoy aka Sabre, singer Susan Boyle, Star Wars actor Denis Lawson, singers Nathan Evans, Calum Bowie and Cammy Barnes and Strictly's JJ Chalmers and Dr Punam Krishan. Love Island's Paige Turley and Saint Phnx's Stevie Jukes will be going live from the red carpet and presenter Laura Anderson will be manning the Pride of Scotland bar. ‌ First Minister John Swinney will also be there to celebrate the best of Scotland and there will be a performance from Britain's Got Talent finalist Vinnie McKee. - The 2025 Pride of Scotland winners will be revealed in an 8-page pullout in tomorrow's Daily Record - You can catch all the red carpet action on the Pride of Scotland Facebook, Instagram and YouTube page from 5.30pm tomorrow night

Times

6 hours ago

• Times

Bubala restaurant review: ‘The carrots nearly made me take a Covid test'

My wedding reception was held upstairs at the Ivy. Back then, there was only one Ivy: our favourite spot in London, where — in the pre-soft-play days, when our disposable income wasn't funnelled directly into Bluey Inc — we'd had our favourite, joyous, boozy dinners. It was the only possible venue. But now, with an Ivy on every high street, it's like announcing we got married at a Zizzi. And here, with slight regret, I present another cautionary tale of overexpansion. I love Bubala. It opened in Spitalfields in 2019, offering a vibrant take on Middle Eastern food that was delicious, quietly vegetarian and deeply hip — not that I'm in any position to judge hipness, but various beard-oil users have assured me that it was. Its firstborn arrived in Soho a few years later, and this sequel proved even better. It was The Godfather Part II, Thor: Ragnarok, Miley Cyrus. Bubala 3 is a 15-minute trek from King's Cross station, located in the sprawling techtropolis, presumably to vary the lunch options for Google and Facebook employees. The walk gave me plenty of time to hype up the food to my husband, J. By the end of my pitch, he was practically jogging there. We were welcomed in by a brilliant Kiwi manager, but it's not quite the restaurant I know — it's cool and airy rather than cosy, all concrete, exposed plaster and towering arched windows. It would be hard to say the place had much personality, as if it's ready to be turned into a Wagamama or Côte at a moment's notice. Inside Bubala REBECCA HOPE You have the option of a £33 per person mezze sharing menu or choosing, as we did, from the twenty or so à la carte dishes. We picked about half of them. The falafels were 10/10. Just the right amount of give on the outside and fluff on the inside, all served on a tahini so white, smooth and creamy it should have an SPF number. Bread and hummus were also spot-on. The laffa, a scorched flatbread threatening to become a naan, tore with a sublime stretchiness and was the perfect mode of transport to shovel in the glossy hummus, pimped up with nutty burnt butter. 'See?' I said to J. But, alas, man cannot live on chickpeas alone. Charred halloumi was squidgy and succulent, the antithesis of the squeaky vulcanised rubber found at every barbecue. In Soho, it comes topped with a phenomenal chamomile honey. Here it's been punished with half a jar of marmalade. Sickly and dissonant, it tasted as though a label had been misread — even Paddington would have scraped off the stuff. The spanakopita looked fantastic — a chimera of the Greek staple with Turkish borek pastry — but was polystyrene dry; the fist of sesame-miso chutney on the side delicious but ultimately unable to perform CPR on its neighbour. Leeks came doused in a Mexican-themed gratinated béchamel of jalapeños and sheep's cheese, with a tangy amba (mango pickle, to save you a google) reminding us we've got one foot in the Middle East. But the leeks were unforgivably tough. The thoughtfully provided utility knife wasn't up to the job — I think I'd have needed a power tool. I will forgive them for calling hash brown cubes 'latkes', but I can't forgive them for the potato being grey. The carrot main was so underflavoured it could have been a side for a Sunday roast — I almost took a Covid test. The button mushrooms on the pickle plate were overly soft, slightly redolent of a Travelodge breakfast. The basbousa dessert, a warm semolina cake with pineapple and coconut, had intricate flavours but was stone cold in the middle. Unforced error after unforced error that made me keep apologising to J. Carrots, feta and apricot Maybe these were all teething problems — the restaurant has only been open a month. ('Ask your server about our daily wine specials!' screamed a box on the menu. I asked a server, who asked another server, who told us there were no wine specials.) Maybe we caught them on an off day. Or maybe this is a moment for Bubala to take a beat, hopefully before branches start to take hold across the country like knotweed. Or Ivy. ★★★☆☆ 1 Cadence Court, Lewis Cubitt Park, London N1; Charlotte Ivers is away

Scottish Sun

7 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Ten girls taken to hospital after being pricked by ‘man with syringe' at French music festival as one arrested

A man was reportedly arrested in connection with the alleged attacks 'SYRINGE ATTACK' Ten girls taken to hospital after being pricked by 'man with syringe' at French music festival as one arrested AROUND ten girls were reportedly pricked by a man with a syringe during a French musical festival. The incident is said to have unfolded in Metz on Friday, when over 50,000 flocked to celebrate World Music Day, Le Républicain Lorrain reports. 2 The alleged attacks took place in the square Place de la République in central Metz Credit: Google Maps The girls - most reportedly minors - were targeted by one or more people at around 10pm, according to the local outlet. The alleged attacks happened between two popular spots in the city centre, Place de la République and Place Saint-Jacques. Firefighters at the event quickly tended to the girls, who were then rushed to hospital "for analysis", according to Metz mayor François Grosdidier. A man was arrested by local cops in connection with the incidents. He was taken to the police station to be interviewed. Grosdidier estimated that a crowd of 50,000 packed the city centre, adding: "It's Saturday night and it's still hot… There are a lot of people, people everywhere, in all the city centre streets." Police remained on duty throughout the night following the incident. It comes as a school girl was stabbed to death by a 15-year-old student who went on a knife rampage at a school in the French city of Nantes. The attacker, wearing black clothing and a balaclava, also stabbed three other students who were rushed to hospital. When armed cops arrived at the scene, the attacker reportedly shouted "shoot me in the head" before being handcuffed and taken away. School knife horror leaves girl dead and three students injured in France The suspect was named as Justin P. by French newspaper Le Parisien. Just hours earlier, an anonymous email is said to have gone around the school speaking of a "revolt". The manifesto, reportedly seen by Le Parisien, spoke about eco issues. Meanwhile, a teaching assistant was stabbed to death by a teenage student over a week ago. The 31-year-old was stabbed several times outside the Françoise Dolto school, in north-east France. She tragically died in hospital as a result of her injuries. A 14-year-old pupil was arrested on suspicion of fatally stabbing the teacher who was leading a bag search outside the school at the time. The victim - identified only as Melanie G - was mum to a four-year-old boy and has been described by locals as "adorable" with a "caring nature".