Viaplay go on ‘The Hunt’

Spine-chilling drama inspired by the real-life murder of Marianne Vaatstra a case that gripped the Netherlands for more than a decade…

In the spring of 1999, a 16-year-old girl was found raped and murdered between a small village and a refugee centre in a Dutch province. The shocking murder not only tore entire families and a community apart, but it also had the whole nation in its grip.

Across the six, 50 minute episodes, The Hunt brings a powerful and enthralling true crime story to screens. The drama chronicles the challenging and prolonged search for the perpetrator.  Each episode tells the story from a different person’s perspective, each connected to the case in some way, and explores the huge impact of the murder on their lives.

The crime once deemed the “murder of the century,” remained unsolved for many years, until two key detectives were able to begin a large-scale DNA investigation, which finally broke the case wide open. The series garnered awards galore at the Netherlands International Film Festival, winning ‘Best Direction’ and ‘Best Leading Role’ (Abke Haring) and was nominated for ‘Best Drama Series’ and ‘Best Screenplay’.

The Hunt explores not just a gripping crime story but also a deeply human exploration of the aftermath of a murder on ordinary lives. Its themes – xenophobia, racism, fake news, and the rural-urban divide – are globally relevant and resonate with contemporary societal issues.

With conspiracy theories more prevalent than ever, The Hunt taps into timely conversations, making it an important and thought-provoking series.
Dutch with English subtitles

The Hunt has its exclusive UK Premiere on Viaplay on Monday 24 March.