NETFLIX’S ‘ASTONISHING’ TRUE CRIME HIT IS LEAVING VIEWERS ABSOLUTELY STUNNED đź’Ą THE REAL-LIFE CASE WAS SO BIZARRE IT BECAME ONE OF THE MOST TALKED-ABOUT STORIES OF ITS TIME
View 3 Images
The series has been described as ‘astonishing’(Image: Channel 4)
A ‘brave’ and ‘astonishing’ true crime series now streaming on Netflix delves into a bizarre yet genuine story.
Originally broadcast on TV back in 2024 and previously available on other streaming services, The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot has now arrived on Netflix, with all episodes dropping on the platform today (June 30).
The synopsis for The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot reads: “When a skydiver somehow survives the failure of both her parachutes, two dogged detectives uncover a story of affairs, debt, sex clubs, escorts and murderous intent.”
It tells the remarkable story of Victoria Cilliers who, despite sustaining life-threatening injuries after plummeting 4,000ft, somehow managed to survive. Both her parachutes, including the reserve, failed to deploy.
Victoria was on a skydive in Wiltshire at the time, which was gifted by her husband, Emile. While initially believed to be a tragic accident, investigators subsequently discovered evidence suggesting Victoria’s parachutes had been deliberately sabotaged prior to her jump, reports Bristol Live.
View 3 Images
Neil Bishop and MyAnna Buring in The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot(Image: Channel 4)
The documentary reveals how police quickly shifted their focus towards Victoria’s husband, Emile, accusing him of attempted murder. Viewers will then see the tangled web of deceit that emerged as Victoria recuperated from her injuries while simultaneously caring for their young child.
It also charts the two court trials that ensued. Beyond that, it exposes how Victoria’s fall wasn’t the first occasion her life had been placed in jeopardy.
When the series originally debuted, it broadcast on Channel 4 before landing on Disney+. Now part of Netflix’s constantly evolving catalogue, a substantial wave of fresh viewers are poised to discover this extraordinary tale.
Audiences encountering the series for the first time via Netflix may find it somewhat unconventional for the true crime genre. While it does include interviews with those genuinely involved, including detectives and Victoria Cilliers herself, there’s considerably more to it.
The programme also incorporates reconstructed scenes and dramatised sequences featuring Victoria and Emile, alongside glimpses of behind-the-scenes footage showing how these moments were crafted by the performers and creative team.
The cast features Neil Bishop as Emile Cilliers, who has appeared in minor roles within Star Wars films. Meanwhile, MyAnna Buring portrays Victoria. She has previously featured in Netflix’s The Witcher, alongside appearances in The Responder and Unforgotten.
View 3 Images
The fall happened in Wiltshire(Image: Channel 4)
This distinctive format divided critics upon release. One observed: “In stretching beyond its genre’s reliance on titillating gore, this was more brave – and more disarming – than other programmes in the true crime stable”.
A separate reviewer noted: “The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot takes an innovative approach, with overlapping elements of both methods. The result is sometimes mannered, even bordering on arty but never less than absorbing.”
Someone else wrote: “This stylised, rather clever approach risks being a distraction, yet by episode one’s last shot, of Cilliers herself arriving on set to explain first hand the whole shebang, you couldn’t help but lean forward. Game on. The story becomes as much about her as her husband.”
Meanwhile, The Guardian labelled it an “astonishing true crime story”, though their critique also noted: “It’s sticking every bell and whistle available on to a narrative that doesn’t require embellishment.”
The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot is streaming on Netflix, Disney+ and Channel 4.
SOURCE: https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/netflixs-astonishing-true-crime-series-37363993
