Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming man kills his brides for years; violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Widower: 'Til Death Do Us Part
What's the Story?
THE WIDOWER: 'TIL DEATH DO US PART is about a ruthless man named Thomas Randolph. As the narrative flows, we conclude that Randolph is a self-described narcissist who likes to marry women, take out life insurance policies on them, and then try to hire people to kill them. The strategy doesn't always go smoothly, and it leaves a trail of breadcrumbs that a dogged NBC news producer and a diligent Las Vegas police detective follow to a seemingly irrefutable conclusion. It takes years to bring Randolph to trial as he confidently plays the legal system with delay after delay. He even wins an appeal of his murder conviction and is tried again. Twists and turns keep police, family, and the viewer guessing.
Is It Any Good?
The Widower: 'Til Death Do Us Part is a well-constructed documentary that brings us along on a murder investigation in real time. To call the defendant in the murder case, Tom Randolph, a "character" is accurate but insufficient as he reveals himself to be a sinister and cold-blooded plotter who got away with murder for far too long. This is not the first documentary on Randoph. See HBO's miniseries The Black Widower: The Six Wives of Thomas Randolph. One would hope that this and other such views into the inner workings of murder investigations can help people recognize when they're with dangerous partners.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how someone could fall for a dangerous partner. Do you think there are always red flags? If so, what are some examples?
Do you think the system should be changed to prevent criminals from delaying justice? Why, or why not?
Do you think Thomas Randolph is guilty of murder? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 30, 2026
- Director : Chris Smith
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 19, 2026
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