“AN EXTRAORDINARY TRUE CRIME…” — this Netflix series is gripping viewers right now

Netflix true crime series on ‘extraordinary’ case with Unforgotten star

It is not like the usual series and described as ‘astonishing’

The fall happened in WIltshire (Image: Channel 4)

A ‘brave’ and ‘astonishing’ true crime series now available on Netflix delves into a peculiar yet genuine story. Having first broadcast on television back in 2024 and been accessible to stream on other platforms, The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot has now arrived on Netflix. All episodes were added to the service as of 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 chronicles the extraordinary case of Victoria Cilliers who, despite sustaining catastrophic injuries following a 4,000 ft plunge, miraculously lived.

Both her parachutes, including the emergency backup, failed to deploy.

Victoria was undertaking a skydive in Wiltshire at the time, a gift arranged by her husband, Emile. While initially believed to have been a terrible accident, investigators subsequently discovered evidence suggesting Victoria’s parachutes had been deliberately sabotaged prior to her jump , reports Bristol Live.

The documentary reveals how police rapidly focused their investigation on Victoria’s husband, Emile, accusing him of attempted murder. Audiences will then observe the intricate web of deception that emerged as Victoria battled through her recovery while simultaneously caring for their young child.

It also chronicles the two criminal trials that ensued. Furthermore, it exposes how Victoria’s fall was not the first occasion her life had been placed in jeopardy

When the series initially launched, it broadcast on Channel 4, before becoming accessible on Disney+. Now part of Netflix’s constantly evolving catalogue, a substantial number of fresh viewers are poised to discover more about the extraordinary story.

Those encountering the series for the first time through its Netflix availability may be taken aback that it proves rather unconventional for the true crime genre. While it does include interviews with the actual individuals concerned, including detectives and Victoria Cilliers herself, there is more.

The series has been described as ‘astonishing’ (Image: Channel 4)

It also incorporates scenes reconstructing events that occurred and dramatisations featuring Victoria and Emile. There are likewise glimpses of behind the scenes footage as these sequences are created by the actors and director.

The cast features Neil Bishop as Emile Cilliers, who has undertaken minor roles in Star Wars films. Meanwhile, MyAnna Buring portrays Victoria.

She has previously appeared in Netflix’s The Witcher, alongside The Responder and Unforgotten.

This distinctive methodology divided critics at the time. One asserted: “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”.

Another 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.

Another viewer 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’s critique described it as an “astonishing true crime story”, though their assessment 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. .”