Latest news with #AWidow'sGame
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
A Widow's Game review: New Netflix thriller based on a shocking true crime story lacks bite
People are truly crazy in love, or they are just too good at pretending. People are also capable of the worst, even if they seem to be ticking all the right boxes from a distance. The new Netflix entry, A Widow's Game (La Viuda Negra in Spanish), tells the story of just the two most easy-going people who commit a serious crime. It is based on the real-life story of the murder of Antonio Navarro Cerdán, a 36-year-old industrial engineer, after which his widow, María Jesús Moreno Cantó, known as Maje, fell under the scanner. Even if you do take a quick second to Google what really happened to Antonio and what propelled it, this new film is worthy enough for your time. It just doesn't smell like dirt enough. (Also read: Sirens review: Julianne Moore leads a possible wellness cult in campy new Netflix show) The film begins like a standard investigative police procedural with the introduction of Eva (Carmen Machi), who is the well-known inspector of the local Homicide Group. Antonio has been stabbed in the garage, the blood is all over the place. Eva is told the intensity of those multiple hits resembles that of a man- it seems the murderer kept prepared to kill. Eva nods and proceeds with business-like propensity: she has also got to uphold the impressive track record of her team. Soon, the news reaches Antonio's wife, Maje (Ivana Baquero), who is called in for questioning. This definitely isn't robbery, there's something too concise and incisive about it all. Maje is called in for questioning, and some of her lies are caught at the very beginning. But this is not about the lies per se; it is more about the cover-up and why it went in this nasty direction. From here on, the film makes a strategic narrative choice, shifting the perspective from Eva to Maje and then to someone else entirely. It is a move that ultimately kills the intrigue and, more bafflingly, the nuance of these characters. The sleek production design and fuss-free mise en scène begin to itch. Even as the focus shifts to multiplicities, the film does not really take a breath to care about these perspectives. There's a certain distance between character and subjectivity that makes the film feel polished on all fronts. But this is a story of a ruthless, passion-filled crime, one that demands push and pull, a certain brashness to it. A Widow's Game feels morbid without the stench of death, and hollow in the way it avoids confronting the banality of this evil. Even as Maje goes through a range of conflicting emotions and dilemmas, the film somehow finds a way to conclude that it will be taken care of. It all comes down to the cast, and thankfully, they inject some vitality into their performances. Tristán Ulloa is the standout, so convincing and quietly terrifying in his silences that pop up quite late into the narrative. Carmen Machi adds the much-needed concern and heart into this cold, sanctimonious treatment. As Maje, Baquero is in fine form, but we never really get to meet the woman behind the walls of her slowly crumbling household. Later, when she visits her husband's parents to seek a pragmatic response, it is shocking to see how little we, the viewer, really do care about her immediate actions. She is no Gone Girl. A Widow's Game is a neat and polished dramatisation of a messy and radical crime. Perhaps that's the point the film wants to make, that it does not matter much because the root of all of it is just too vile to care about. It denies involvement, a lack of provocation in this unforgivable act of deceit. Mostly, it lacks the heart to dig deeper into the wound that it capitalises upon. A Widow's Game is available to watch on Netflix.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Netflix fans lap up new number 1 film based on shocking real-life murder
The new number one film on Netflix is based on a shocking but little-known real-life murder. A Widow's Game was released on the streaming platform on Friday and is already at the top of the movie charts in the UK. The Spanish-language thriller, starring Ivana Baquero, Tristán Ulloa, and Carmen Machi, follows the investigation into the slaying of engineer Antonio Navarro Cerdán (Álex Gadea). As police dig further into the matter, led by veteran homicide detective Eva (Machi) his widow's perfect façade is shattered, exposing a hidden double life. But what has sucked so many early viewers in already, only a day after the film's release, is the fact that A Widow's Game is about a real-life murder that took place in Valencia, Spain, less than a decade ago, involving manipulation and betrayal. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The movie even includes real-life recordings from throughout the case. Eager fans who have already seen the film have rushed to share their thoughts, with Anastasiia Bantysh's five-star review remarking that the film 'portrays the nature of true human needs, depravity, and excessive self-confidence very well'. 'Loved it – didn't know anything about the story – well done, bravo to everyone involved,' added Judith Lungen in another five-star ruling. El Confidencial's critic Jose Madrid gave the film three and a half stars, declaring it 'accessible and pacey, addictive throughout its two hours and faithful (perhaps too much so) to the real event it portrays'. He also added that fans would 'enjoy a production that won't let you take your eyes off [it] once you press play'. Read on if you want to discover the true story as depicted in A Widow's Game… On August 16, 2017, Antonio, a 36-year-old industrial engineer, was ambushed in his building's garage in the Patraix neighbourhood of Valencia before he could even start his car, according to Time magazine. Stabbed in the chest, he died at the scene, leaving behind his 27-year-old devastated widow María Jesús Moreno Cantó, known as Maje, who worked as a nurse. Despite her outward shows of grief and disbelief over the callous killing of her husband, investigators' suspicions were soon raised by Maje's 'calm and calculated' behaviour in early questioning – something very much at odds with the behaviour of someone thought to be in shock and mourning. Detectives soon discovered that Maje was in fact leading a wild double life, carrying on with multiple extramarital affairs. One of her lovers, Salvador Rodrigo Lapiedra, worked as a janitor at Maje's hospital. Desperately in love with her, Maje had managed to manipulate him into carrying out the murder with promises of her love and allegations of domestic abuse against Antonio. Phone taps revealed incriminating conversations between the two which confirmed the police's suspicions that Antonio's murder had been premeditated, with Maje giving Salvador all the information he would need – as well as keys to the married couple's garage. He lay in wait for Antonio to leave that fateful morning, armed with a kitchen knife which he later discarded in a cesspit at his property after the deed was done. The duo was arrested in January 2018, but the twists don't end there. While Salvador initially tried to protect Maje during questioning – who denied any involvement with her husband's death – he later changed his story after learning she had embarked on another relationship with an inmate while in custody. In his new statement, he admitted to the committing the crime of murder at Maje's behest and with her full support, after presenting herself as the victim of physical and psychological abuse. She had reportedly told him that her husband dying was better for their relationship than a divorce because she could keep both her inheritance and a widow's pension in the first instance. In October 2020, both Salvador and Maje were found guilty of murder: Maje received a 22-year sentence, while Salvador's time was reduced to 17 years due to his co-operation with the investigation. They were both also ordered to pay €250,000 (£210,762.50) in damages to Antonio's family. Maje was nicknamed the Black Widow of Patraix for her crime, which hinged on plotting the murder of her own husband for, among other things, financial gain. The Netflix film's Spanish title is La Viuda Negra, which translates directly as The Black Widow. More Trending And female black widow spiders are, of course, known for killing the male after mating. In a final scandalous note to the real-life case, Maje gave birth to a child in July 2023 after getting pregnant by her inmate lover – a man known as David, who is also a convicted murderer. She now resides in a mother-child unit at Fontcalent prison, where she is permitted to stay until her child is three. A Widow's Game is streaming on Netflix now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Cancel your weekend plans to binge new Netflix thriller hailed 'pure greatness' MORE: 'Line of Duty was on my mind when creating Netflix's latest thriller' MORE: Nervous flier claims Jet2 marched her off plane 'like criminal'
Time Magazine
3 days ago
- Time Magazine
The Shocking True Story Behind Netflix's A Widow's Game
On the morning of August 16, 2017, Antonio Navarro Cerdán, a 36-year-old industrial engineer, left his home to go to work in Valencia, Spain. He lived in the Patraix neighborhood with his wife, María Jesús Moreno Cantó—known as Maje. Antonio never even started the car: he was ambushed in the building's garage by a man who had been hiding among the vehicles. Stabbed in the chest, he died at the scene. From the start, police ruled out robbery as a motive—nothing had been taken. The case quickly took a dark turn, revealing a carefully orchestrated plot, with the widow Maje at its center. This real-life story of betrayal, manipulation, and premeditated murder inspired the new Spanish thriller A Widow's Game (La Viuda Negra), premiering May 30 on Netflix. Here's everything you need to know about the true crime behind the Netflix film. The widow At the time of Antonio's murder, Maje was 27 years-old and described as sweet, vain, and charismatic. A nurse at a city hospital, she appeared in the media as a young widow devastated by a senseless tragedy. She publicly expressed disbelief over the brutality of the murder. But investigators were struck by her calm and calculated demeanor during early questioning. Reports noted that her emotional responses didn't align with those of someone in mourning. The investigation focused on the victim's inner circle and soon revealed that Maje was leading a double life. Despite her image as a devoted wife, she was engaged in multiple extramarital affairs. One of them, with Salvador Rodrigo Lapiedra, a janitor at her hospital, became key to the case. Salvador was deeply in love with Maje, who fueled his feelings with promises of a future together and alleged stories of domestic abuse. Phone taps uncovered incriminating conversations between the two, making it clear they had planned Antonio's murder in advance. The premeditated crime Maje convinced Salvador to carry out the murder. He hid in the couple's building garage in Valencia, armed with a kitchen knife, while Maje was away from the home. Salvador waited, and when Antonio came down, ambushed and stabbed him to death. Maje had told her lover the times her husband usually left, which routes he took, and even gave him the garage keys. The crime was meticulously planned. The murder weapon was discarded in a cesspit on Salvador's property and would only be recovered months later, with his help, after his confession. The fall of the Black Widow of Patraix Maje and Salvador were arrested in January 2018. Initially, Salvador tried to protect her, but changed his story after learning she had become romantically involved with another inmate while in custody. In a new statement, he admitted to committing the murder with Maje's full support and encouragement. 'In my previous statement, I said it was all my idea. But it was both of us,' says Salvador in a real recording from the hearing revealed at the end of the movie. According to Salvador, Maje portrayed herself as a victim of psychological and physical abuse. She told him that if her husband died, she would be free without going through a divorce — which would leave her without a widow's pension or inheritance. Maje denied any involvement in her husband's death. But the court found overwhelming evidence—including text messages, phone calls, and witness testimonies—that dismantled her version and pointed to a jointly planned crime. In October 2020, Maje was sentenced to 22 years in prison for murder with the aggravating circumstance of kinship. Salvador received a 17 year sentence, with time reduced for cooperating with the investigation. Both were ordered to pay €250,000 (approximately $282.437,50 USD) in damages to Antonio's family. A jury found them both guilty, highlighting Maje's psychological manipulation of her lover as a decisive factor. After the crime While serving her sentence, Maje became pregnant by another inmate. In July 2023, she gave birth at the General Hospital of Alicante under police custody. After the delivery, she was transferred to the mother-child unit at Fontcalent prison, where she can stay with her baby until the child turns three years old. The baby's father is David, a prisoner convicted of a 2008 murder. Maje and David met during her previous time at Picassent prison, where they began a relationship. The nickname 'Black Widow of Patraix' was given to Maje due to the nature of the crime: she allegedly manipulated her lover into murdering her husband, luring him into a carefully planned trap. The name refers to the black widow spider, whose female is known for killing the male after mating — a metaphor that underscores the cold and calculated betrayal at the heart of the case.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's new crime thriller movie is now streaming — and it's based on a shocking true story
Netflix is no stranger to releasing a steady stream of crime thrillers, but it's the ones rooted in real events that tend to leave the deepest impression, at least for me. That's definitely the case with 'A Widow's Game,' the latest Spanish crime thriller to hit the streaming service. 'A Widow's Game' draws directly from the 2017 murder case in Valencia, Spain, involving María Jesús Moreno Canto, known as 'Maje,' who was dubbed the 'Black Widow of Patraix.' The trailer showed just enough of this compelling case to grab my attention, and it's definitely a tense thriller, to say the least. Directed by Carlos Sedes (best known for 'The Asunta Case') this new crime thriller exposes the sinister possibilities of human nature when obsession and deceit take root. It's a haunting portrait of how easily truth can be twisted and how far some will go to get what they want. So, if you're browsing Netflix and want something that doesn't just thrill but unsettles, this Spanish thriller should be added to your watchlist. Here's why 'A Widow's Game' is worth watching now. In the summer of 2017, the quiet city of Valencia was rocked by a brutal crime: a man was found stabbed seven times in a residential parking lot. At first glance, it appears to be a tragic crime of passion. The case lands in the hands of the city's Homicide Group, led by a seasoned inspector determined to uncover the truth before the trail goes cold. As the investigation unfolds, suspicion begins to fall on an unlikely figure — Maje (Ivana Baquero), the victim's young widow. Known for her sweet, composed demeanor, Maje had been married to the victim for less than a year, and her calm presence seemed at odds with the violence of the crime. 'A Widow's Game' is a slow-burning thriller inspired by true events, and it invites viewers to question how well we really know the people closest to us and what they might be capable of when pushed to the edge. Instead of focusing solely on the murder, 'A Widow's Game' digs into the mindset, emotions, and motivations of the people involved. At first, I was worried that spending so much time examining the darker psychology behind it all might take away from the gravity of the crime, but thankfully, the movie handles it well. It stays neutral, never trying to excuse or soften what happened. You're not swayed to feel sympathy, just a growing sense of discomfort and repulsion for those capable of doing something so awful. Rather than asking who did it, 'A Widow's Game' leans into why they did it and how dangerously easy it is to fall under the influence of manipulation. We're first introduced to the Valencia homicide team, led by Inspector Eva Torres (Carmen Machi), who's juggling a personal issue with her daughter at school. That character detail felt a little jarring, especially since the mother-daughter thread is never really explored again. But I assume it was meant to show how ordinary life can feel right before something unexpectedly terrible happens in that line of work. From there, Eva gets a call about the murder scene, which is when the story kicks off and the investigation begins. After some suspect interviews, the narrative switches, and the name 'Maje' pops up on screen. Ivana Baquero's performance as Maje is what gives 'A Widow's Game' its quietly unsettling feel. This is when we watch the widow's story unfold completely, from her getting married, to her affairs, and ultimately, to the cold, calculated manipulation at the heart of it all. Ivana Baquero's performance as Maje is what gives 'A Widow's Game' its quietly unsettling feel. She plays the role of the innocent, grieving widow with such calm conviction that it's easy to understand why those around her were so easily taken in. But behind closed doors, Baquero reveals a chillingly calculated side, especially in the way Maje emotionally wears down the men she's involved with — most notably Salvador, her co-worker at the hospital, who has a wife and child. We see how she slowly gains control over him with subtle emotional pressure. One particularly clever scene shows Maje at her second job in a care home, where she tells an elderly woman that her children will visit her later that day. She then turns to a colleague and casually calls it a 'white lie' to make the elderly woman 'feel better.' It's a small moment, but it speaks volumes to how her manipulation isn't limited to romantic relationships. However, there are a few obvious flaws, one being that 'A Widow's Game' plays it very safe when it comes to storytelling. The movie dedicates a lot of time to exploring Maje's actions and what may have driven her, yet it never fully dives beneath the surface. Instead of unraveling a layered mystery, it feels more like we're simply waiting for one of the culprits to slip up in conversation. The tension is steady, but there's little in the way of surprise or true suspense. I found 'A Widow's Game' to be an engaging watch, though I was occasionally thrown off by its mix of documentary and dramatized storytelling. The blend didn't always feel seamless and left parts of the narrative feeling a bit unclear, especially around the middle. Still, what really stood out for me were the performances and the layered, morally murky characters. And I'm sure anyone who enjoys crime thrillers will find themselves invested in this one as well. If you're looking for your next tense watch this weekend, 'A Widow's Game' is now streaming on Netflix. For more streaming recommendations, see what's being added to Netflix in June 2025.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
New OTT Releases on May 30, 2025: Movies and Shows to Watch
On Friday, May 30, 2025, many new shows and movies are ready to stream on popular streaming sites like JioHotstar, Netflix, SonyLIV, Apple TV+, and ZEE5. There are crime stories, music movies, horror, and cartoons for everyone. Netflix A Widow's Game: A true crime story about a woman who plans to kill her husband. Lost in Starlight: A cartoon about a girl who wants to be an astronaut and a musician, fixing old audio devices. JioHotstar A Complete Unknown: A music movie about young Bob Dylan and how he changed music in the 1960s. SonyLIV Kankhajura: A crime story about Ashu, who tries to meet his brother after prison, but his past causes trouble. Apple TV+ Bono: Stories of Surrender: A documentary about Bono, the lead singer of U2, showing his life and music. ZEE5 Andhar Maya: A horror drama about a family facing strange events in their old home. If you like mystery, music, or scary stories, these new shows and movies are for you.
