Netflix tip of the day: The Watcher

Done with Dahmer and ready for a new addiction? Then I have a really nice tip for you that fits right in that same vein. The Watcher is now on Netflix and is from the same creator as Dahmer, namely Ryan Murphy. We also know him from series like Nip/Tuck, Scream Queens, American Horror Story, and… Glee. Yes, the last one is a bit out of place, but well, he has certainly proven with Dahmer that he is capable of creating grim, bloody, and thrilling series, and fortunately, there is little singing involved. The Glee days seem to be behind him.

And just like Dahmer The Watcher is also based on a true story: that of Derek and Maria Broaddus, who bought a Dutch colonial house in New Jersey in 1905. Maybe I've watched too many horror movies, but even if my budget allowed me to buy such a mansion, I would never do it. This is always the setting for the ideal horror film. Either this house is haunted, or a cold-blooded murderer breaks in, or people become possessed. Either way: you will never have a happy, peaceful, and carefree existence here.

That also turns out to be the case, because Derek and Maria certainly didn't have a good time here. When they moved into this house, they were quickly harassed by a stalker who calls himself The Watcher; he threatens them through nasty letters sent to their address. If you want to read more about this, there is an extensive article on the site of New York Magazine/The Cut, and this article was also the inspiration for this series.

Derek and Maria shared the letters with that site, so it is definitely worth reading, because it is quite bizarre. Sentences like: ‘My grandfather watched over the house in the 1920s and my father did so in the 1960s. Now it’s my turn. Do you know the history of this house? Do you know what lurks behind the walls of 657 Boulevard (the address)? Why are you here? I will find out.’

What theeee… Okay, I’m canceling all my plans tonight; I want to see this series.