New Netflix True Crime Movie Is an Instant Hit With More Than 4 Million Views

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A new true crime series is quickly becoming a hit on Netflix, racking up millions of views and climbing to the #5 spot on the Top 10 list (and #3 in the US). Given that it’s based on a famous real-life crime, its popularity isn’t surprising.

The movie Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story recounts the chilling true crime of Melanie McGuire (played by Candice King). A devoted wife and mother of two, Melanie was also a fertility nurse who began an affair with a colleague. This led her to commit a horrific act: she drugged and murdered her husband, Bill. She then dismembered his body, packed the pieces into three suitcases, and dumped them into Chesapeake Bay. When the suitcases washed ashore at Virginia Beach, a police investigation began, ultimately leading them to Melanie. Despite her conviction, Melanie maintains her innocence, and Assistant Attorney General Patti Prezioso (Wendie Malick) was instrumental in bringing her to justice.

The Reception Has Been Less Than Stellar

Critics haven’t reviewed Suitcase Killer yet, but audiences aren’t impressed. One viewer called the show “unbearable to watch,” criticizing everything from the script and acting to the direction, music, and casting. They described it as overly cheesy, like a parody of a soap opera, and rated it only .5 out of 5 stars. The viewer said it was worse than both Dolly’s Christmas story and Showgirls, and even compared it unfavorably to Medicare commercials. They were briefly hopeful that Wendie Malick’s involvement might indicate a comedic intent, but ultimately found it to be a complete waste of time.

One viewer, who rated the film 3 stars, criticized how the prosecutor relentlessly attacked Melanie with very little proof, making them feel angry on her behalf. They felt the film highlighted poor police work and a missed opportunity to recognize a potential domestic violence situation. The viewer pointed out clear red flags about the husband – his cheating, history of abuse, and suspicious behavior – and questioned why the child Melanie mentioned wasn’t interviewed. They believed the portrayal felt lazy and blamed the victim, suggesting the lead prosecutor had an aggressive, biased mindset, focusing solely on the wife with weak evidence and a seeming dislike for women, showing a lack of empathy. Ultimately, they felt the case was a tragedy for Melanie and her family.

Honestly, Suitcase Killer just didn’t do it for me – it felt completely flat. I know it’s been a big hit for Netflix in terms of numbers, but from what I’ve heard, most viewers weren’t exactly blown away either. It just didn’t really connect.

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2026-01-26 00:41