Sheridan Smith returns to the screen in a gripping crime drama, “The Widower,” now available on Netflix. Originally aired on ITV in 2014, this three-part series delves into the chilling true story of Malcolm Webster, a former nurse turned murderer. The show is created by BAFTA Award-winning producer Jeff Pope and focuses on the harrowing experiences of Webster’s victims.
Overview of “The Widower”
The narrative spans 13 years, highlighting how Malcolm Webster, portrayed by Reece Shearsmith, poisoned and killed his first wife, Claire Morris, played by Sheridan Smith. The drama emphasizes the danger posed by charismatic individuals, showcasing how Webster attempted to kill his second wife, Felicity Drumm, to claim significant life insurance payouts.
Real-Life Events
- Claire Morris: Married Malcolm Webster in Scotland in 1993. She was murdered on May 27, 1994, in a staged car crash, leading Webster to collect over £200,000 in insurance money.
- Felicity Drumm: Webster married her in New Zealand, attempting multiple times to kill her, including orchestrating three house fires, to fraudulently claim £750,000 from her life insurance policies.
- Legal Outcome: In May 2011, Malcolm Webster was convicted of murdering Claire Morris and attempting to murder Felicity Drumm. He received a life sentence with a minimum of 30 years.
Cast of “The Widower”
The series features a talented cast, which includes:
- Sheridan Smith as Claire Morris
- Reece Shearsmith as Malcolm Webster
- Kate Fleetwood as Felicity Drumm
- Fiona O’Carroll as Lucy
- Archie Panjabi as Simone Banerjee
- John Hannah as DI Charlie
- James Laurenson as Brian Drumm
- Juliet Alderice as Margaret Drumm
- Alex Ferns as DCI Neil Thompson
- Paul Blair as DC Peter Jarvis
Critical Reception
“The Widower” has received acclaim for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances. Critics have praised it as a compelling watch. The Hollywood Reporter described it as “absorbing,” while The Independent noted Reece Shearsmith’s standout performance.
Availability
You can stream all three episodes of “The Widower” on Netflix. This gripping thriller is worth adding to your watchlist for a deep dive into the dark implications of betrayal and deceit.
Further Viewing
If you enjoy true crime dramas, consider these recommendations:
- The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox: This series explores the wrongful conviction of Amanda Knox for the murder of her roommate, available on Disney+.
- Only Murders in the Building: A lighter watch, this series combines comedy and mystery as characters investigate murders in their New York apartment building; available on Disney+.
