A New Netflix True-Crime Film Is Turning Heads
Netflix has added a new true-crime documentary that is already attracting attention from critics. The Widower: ‘Til Death Do Us Part arrived on the streaming service on September 30, 2026, and follows a disturbing case involving Thomas Randolph, a man whose complicated history of marriages and suspicious deaths became the focus of a long-running criminal investigation.
The film runs for about 91 minutes, making it considerably shorter than the multi-part true-crime series that have become a regular feature on Netflix. That compact format gives the documentary a straightforward focus: examining the investigation and the questions surrounding Randolph’s relationships and the deaths connected to his story.
The Rotten Tomatoes Score Comes With a Catch
The movie has been reported with a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, but viewers should pay attention to the number of reviews behind it. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists five critic reviews, meaning the score could change as additional reviews are added.
That distinction matters because a 100% score based on a small number of reviews does not carry the same statistical weight as a score maintained across dozens or hundreds of reviews. Still, the early response gives the film a strong start, particularly for viewers who regularly seek out investigative documentaries.
The Story Behind The Film
The documentary centers on Thomas Randolph and the investigation into the deaths of women he married. Netflix describes the film as following a journalist and a detective as they attempt to uncover the truth behind a killer whose charm allegedly concealed a trail of failed marriages and suspicious deaths.
The case has already attracted significant attention because of its unusual circumstances and the questions investigators faced while examining Randolph’s past. Rather than presenting a fictionalized thriller, the documentary uses the real case as its central mystery, with the investigation providing the structure for the film.
Chris Smith Leads the Documentary
The Widower: ‘Til Death Do Us Part is directed by Chris Smith, with production involving Library Films and NBC News Studios. Netflix’s official media information lists Liz Cole, Andy Berg, Elizabeth Fischer and Dan Slepian among the executive producers.
Smith has worked extensively in documentary filmmaking, and the project fits into the broader wave of true-crime productions that have become a major part of Netflix’s nonfiction catalog. The film also draws on reporting and investigative material rather than relying purely on dramatic reenactments.
Why True Crime Remains a Netflix Favorite
True crime has become one of Netflix’s most recognizable documentary categories. The appeal often comes from cases that raise unanswered questions, contain unexpected developments or reveal how investigators eventually pieced together complicated evidence.
The Widower arrives at a time when Netflix is again filling its October schedule with a mixture of new documentaries, dramas and returning films. The timing gives the documentary an opportunity to reach viewers looking for something darker and more investigative after the arrival of several major new titles.
What to Know Before Watching
| Detail | Information |
| Title | The Widower: ‘Til Death Do Us Part |
| Release date | September 30, 2026 |
| Runtime | 1 hour 31 minutes |
The film is currently available on Netflix, including Netflix’s India catalog, where it is listed as a 2026 documentary.
For viewers who prefer a complete crime story in a single sitting rather than a lengthy series, its 91-minute runtime could be particularly appealing. The early Rotten Tomatoes response adds another reason for movie fans to put it on their watchlist, although the perfect score should be viewed in the context of its currently limited number of critic reviews.
FAQ
Is The Widower: ‘Til Death Do Us Part on Netflix?
Yes. The documentary is available to stream on Netflix and was released on September 30, 2026.
Is The Widower: ‘Til Death Do Us Part based on a true story?
Yes. The film examines the real-life case surrounding Thomas Randolph and the investigations into suspicious deaths connected to his history.
Does The Widower have a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score?
Rotten Tomatoes currently lists five critic reviews for the film. The reported perfect score is therefore based on a relatively small review sample and could change as more reviews are published.
