Latest news with #Maje
Time Magazine
16 hours 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
a day 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.
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Hot outside? These style picks won't cool you, but they'll keep your vibe cool
Go the glamour route with these oversized sunglasses. Photo: Carolina Herrera Malaysia with its warm weather make Summer and Resort collections just right for the heat. And along with a wardrobe update, you can also get a beauty refresh to match. Amp up your summer glow with the Ambient Lighting Palette Sublime Edit from Hourglass. It's a limited edition palette consisting of a blush (Sublime Flush), bronzer (Nude Bronze Light) and finishing powder (Soft Light). Providing a seamless illuminated complexion, it also uses Photoluminescent Technology which captures, diffuses and softens surrounding light to make you look radiant. A scent that reminds you of summer. Photo: YSL Beauty Read more: An all-denim ensemble is seriously stylish – don't be afraid to try it out Go bold and standout in beautiful, brilliant red for your lips. Celine's Rouge Triomphe is a satin-finish lipstick in 14 new shades infused with a nostalgic rose and rice powder scent which evokes the essence of the 1970s. The lipsticks are also refillable and bring a touch of luxury with its iconic Triomphe monogram on the lipstick and gold case. You can't do summer living without a pair of sunglasses, and why not make it the bigger the better, as seen with Carolina Herrera. These oversized sunnies not only protect your eyes but also give a glamorous look to any ensemble. If you're looking for something with a more casual summer feel, Maje has a delightful two-piece outfit with a sleeveless tunic top and pants embroidered with flowers and also at the sleeves and hems. Pair it with adorable white perforated ballet pumps from Dior with ribbons to tie around the ankles. Read more: Make the right choice – the right jewellery can elevate your entire look If you want a bag that can work as a beach bag or an everyday tote, this lovely green Bottega Veneta Cabat tote with its signature weave is a fun piece, especially as it's adorned with small colourful flowers. Finally, for a scent that says summer fabulous, there is the YSL Libre L'Eau Nue, an oil-in-water, non-alcoholic fragrance that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean. Infused with exclusive Moroccan orange blossom from YSL's Ourika Community Garden, it has vibrant notes of green mandarin and Calabrian bergamot, making the scent linger like a perfect summer's day.
Hype Malaysia
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Hype Malaysia
Hitch A Ride With The Hot Wheels™ x Maje Spring/Summer 2025 Collection!
Hot fashion + hot cars = looks that slay! This summer, Maje is shifting into high gear with an adrenaline-fueled collaboration alongside the iconic brand Hot Wheels™– a symbol of both automotive and pop culture. The result? A bold, high-impact wardrobe that redefines femininity with power and audacity. Parisian elegance collides with the electrifying energy of the racetrack in a collection where a pleated mini skirt and crop top, a denim jacket, a hoodie, t-shirts, and a cardigan reinterpret the graphic codes of motorsports. A statement style designed to bring thrills, attitude, and a striking contrast to everyday dressing. The capsule will be available in-store in June 2025. Hit up Maje's official website for more details.
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Maje x Hot Wheels launches to "capture the cultural momentum of motorsport"
SMCP 's Maje label has unveiled an interesting new 'adrenaline-fuelled' summer collaboration, which will launch next month. The premium French fashion brand has linked up with the global toy and media brand Hot Wheels for what we're told is a 'bold, high-impact wardrobe that redefines femininity with power and audacity'. The label said that 'Parisian elegance collides with the electrifying energy of the racetrack in a collection where a pleated mini skirt and crop top, a denim jacket, a hoodie, T-shirts, and a cardigan reinterpret the graphic codes of motorsports. A statement style designed to bring thrills, attitude, and a striking contrast to everyday dressing'. Each piece incorporates racing-inspired elements like graphic stripes, bold colour blocking, and emblematic logos. The capsule will be available online on 3 June and in-store exactly a week later. It's certainly an unexpected collab from a womenswear label such as Maje. So what's the thinking behind it? The company said it launches 'amid Formula 1's continued global rise, with record-breaking viewership and a forthcoming feature film starring Brad Pitt'and it 'captures the cultural momentum of motorsport, as it expands beyond the track into fashion and lifestyle'. And it added that 'beyond its nostalgic appeal', the Maje x Hot Wheels link-up 'is a reflection on movement and transformation, reflecting a shared commitment to bold design, innovation, and a forward-thinking vision'.
