A huge hit on Netflix, the mini-series The Watcher follows the nightmare of a family who, after moving in, receive threatening letters from a mysterious crow named “The Watcher.” This story is inspired by real events that happened in New Jersey in 2014. Four years later, journalist Reeves Wiedemann published an extensive article on the case in New York Magazine.
If the beginning of the series is faithful to reality, the continuation is completely fictional in order to extend the story to 7 episodes. The author of the article returned to the case to provide new information. After the sale of the house at 657 Boulevard, the new owners did not receive a single letter.
Derek and Maria Broadus, a real-life couple, refuse to watch the miniseries. “Watching the trailer was quite stressful“- adds the journalist. The latter explains that the victims sold their story rights to Netflix after the film was made without their permission in 2016.
The Brodus couple had two requests: that their names not be used in the series – in The Watcher they would become the Branocks – and that the characters bear a minimal resemblance to their family. Also, they shared a suggestion to the creators: burn down the house.
The proceeds from the series did not allow them to cover the loss on the sale of the house – it sold for $400,000 less than the purchase price.
The Watcher is available on Netflix.
Source: allocine
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
