A Friend, a Murderer (2026), originally titled En ven, en morder, is a Danish true-crime documentary series produced for Netflix. The three-part series examines one of Denmark’s most disturbing criminal cases and blends investigative storytelling with emotional testimony from people close to the suspect. The documentary is directed by Danish filmmakers working with Netflix’s international documentary division and focuses on the real events surrounding the disappearance of teenager Emilie Meng.
The series centers on the 2016 disappearance of 17-year-old Emilie Meng after a night out with friends in the quiet town of Korsør. The case haunted Denmark for years and remained unresolved for a long time. The narrative shifts years later when another violent kidnapping leads investigators to Philip Patrick Westh, the man later linked to the crimes.
Instead of focusing only on the police investigation, the series highlights the experiences of Westh’s close friends—Amanda, Kiri, and Nichlas—who describe their shock at learning that someone they trusted may have been living a secret criminal life. A Friend, a Murderer premiered globally on Netflix in early March 2026.
A Friend, a Murderer Age Rating
A Friend, a Murderer is rated TV-MA for mature audiences due to disturbing real-world crime discussions, sexual violence themes, and detailed descriptions of kidnapping and murder. This rating indicates the series is intended for adults and may be unsuitable for viewers under 17 because of its heavy subject matter involving crimes against minors and the psychological impact of those events.
Violence & Peril
The documentary contains strong references to real violent crimes, including kidnapping, assault, and murder. Much of the violence is not shown directly but is described through interviews, court testimony, and investigative reporting. These descriptions can be disturbing because they involve real victims and detailed explanations of what happened. The tense atmosphere and emotional accounts from people close to the case may feel intense for sensitive viewers.
Language
The series contains moderate strong language. Interviewees occasionally use profanity when discussing the shock, anger, and betrayal they felt after the crimes were revealed. While the language is not constant, some strong words appear in emotional moments throughout the documentary.
Mature Themes
The series deals heavily with sexual assault, predatory behavior, and crimes against minors, which are discussed in serious and sometimes detailed ways. Themes include the psychological manipulation of victims, the trauma experienced by families and communities, and the idea of a criminal living a “double life.” The show also explores the emotional toll on friends who later realized they had trusted someone accused of terrible crimes. These real-world topics make the documentary particularly intense and potentially upsetting.
Is A Friend, a Murderer Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–13: No. The series discusses kidnapping, sexual violence, and murder involving minors. The emotional tone and subject matter are too disturbing for younger viewers.
Ages 14–16: Not Recommended. Older teens may understand the investigative aspects, but the real-world details of the crimes and trauma could be deeply upsetting.
Ages 17+: With Guidance. Mature older teens who are interested in true crime may handle the documentary, but parental discussion is strongly recommended.
Overall recommendation: This series is best suited for adult viewers and mature older teens (17+) due to its heavy and disturbing subject matter.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the series first to determine whether its themes of sexual violence and child abduction are appropriate for your teen.
Discuss the real-world context of true-crime documentaries and the importance of respecting victims and their families.
Encourage conversations after viewing about safety, media responsibility, and how communities respond to crime.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for A Friend, a Murderer (2026)?
A: The series is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences and may be unsuitable for viewers under 17.
Q: Is A Friend, a Murderer appropriate for kids?
A: No. The documentary contains disturbing discussions of kidnapping, murder, and sexual violence involving minors.
Q: Does the series contain violent scenes?
A: Yes. While graphic footage is limited, the documentary includes detailed descriptions of violent crimes and their impact.
Q: Is there strong language in A Friend, a Murderer?
A: Yes. Some interviewees use strong language when discussing the crimes and their emotional reactions.
Q: Does the documentary include sexual content?
A: There is no explicit sexual imagery, but the series discusses sexual assault and predatory behavior in serious detail.
Q: Where can you watch A Friend, a Murderer?
A: The documentary series is available to stream on Netflix.