A new Netflix series from Ryan Murphy has many in a tizz for its insidious nature and intrigue. Based on true events, The Watcher has taken TikTok by storm and left us wanting to know more.
What is the plot of The Watcher?
The Watcher is based on a couple named Nora (Naomi Watts) and Dean Brannock (Bobby Cannavale), who purchase their dream home located at 657 Boulevard in Westfield, New Jersey. Not long after living at the residence, the pair come across a sinister letter written by someone going by the moniker of The Watcher. The aforementioned letter includes specific, personal details concerning their family along with vivid detail of their house, and threats to the occupants. While dramatised, the series is based on true events that happened to Derek and Maria Broaddus, with Derek making it a personal quest to bring the Watcher to justice and unveil their identity.
Who was The Watcher?
Firstly, a moment to say this part of the article may contain spoilers.
In both real life and in the Netflix series, the identity of The Watcher is still to be found out. However, forensic analysis has concluded they allegedly are a woman who has never been identified.
When the Broadduses went to the police to report the disturbing letters, the investigation was exhaustive. Yet, according to local reports, this has been dismissed as the police allegedly didn’t speak to neighbouring locals in the area. The case then moved to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, conducting a more thorough investigation with forensic analysis, where saliva on the envelopes matched saliva of females. In 2018, all in the neighbourhood were asked to submit DNA samples for testing, yet a match was never uncovered.
In 2019, The Broaddus family sold the home, listing it at a reduced price in the hopes of attracting a builder who may like to tear it down. Ultimately, a new family purchased the home and have not received any letters at the property since.
Is The Watcher available on Netflix?
The Watcher is available to stream on Netflix now. You can watch the trailer below.
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