‘The Watcher’: Lifetime Movie Based On True Story Of Derek and Maria Broaddus’ New Jersey House, Starring Erin Cahill, Edi Gathegi

The Watcher is a thrilling new Lifetime movie that will premiere very soon. Originally titled, Raven’s Watch, it is a movie that takes the viewer along on the psychological journey of a couple who has just moved into their dream home. But after they learn about the home’s disturbing history, it becomes apparent that they won’t be finding happiness here.

The Watcher is based on the true story of Derek and Maria Broaddus, according to iHorror. It stars Erin Cahill as Emma, Edi Gathegi as Noah, Denise Crosby as Jeanne, Riley Baron as Mikey, Kevin Daniels as Reggie, Tracie Thoms as Amanda, Obba Babatundé as Stark, Sab Shimono as Wendell, Ruth Williamson as Francine, Takayo Fischer as Gladys, John Billingsley as Dr. Klein, Caroline Kinsolving as Grossman, Elle Young as Lacey, and Dave Mitchell as Officer Wallace.

The poster for my first movie I produced with @DFraunces #TheWatcher #21stStreetFilms debuting soon! pic.twitter.com/gW6Va9YiO8

— Jason Ryan (@JasonRyanTV) June 30, 2016

The Watcher, AKA Raven’s Watch, Lifetime Movie Synopsis

Emma and Noah have been on a search to locate the perfect home in a neighborhood that will not only fit their financial ability but also is big and spacious enough with room to grow. Finally, they believe they’ve found it and are ready to sign on the dotted line. What more could they want? Not only is the house beautiful, but it is also in an area that is peaceful and scenic. Plus, the neighbors seem friendly enough.

However, their dream of living in the serene community is shattered after they are told by their real estate agent that some deaths have occurred there. Just after they make the deal, a local boy tells them that a large black raven is appearing around their house. Soon, they receive ominous letters from “The Watcher,” who tells them that he is watching their every move.

Lifetime’s The Watcher is based on the true story of Derek and Maria Broaddus, a couple who bought a beautiful 6-bedroom suburban home for $1.3 million in the posh Westfield, New Jersey, area. Days after closing on the home, they began receiving eerie letters from someone who called themselves “The Watcher.” The letter writer claims that the house has been watched since the 1920s, according to Daily Mail.

“All of the windows and doors in [redacted] Boulevard allow me to watch you and track you as you move through the house. Who am I? I am the Watcher and have been in control of [redacted] Boulevard for the better part of two decades now.”

The chilling letters scared the couple and their three children so much that they didn’t even move into the home, New York Daily News reports.

“I am pleased to know your names now and the name of the young blood you have brought to me,” one letter read. “Who has the bedrooms facing the street? I’ll know as soon as you move in … It will help me to know who is in which bedroom, then I can plan better.”

The Broadduses ended up suing the previous owners, stating that they knew about the letters and had received a letter themselves a day before closing on the home, though this has not been proven. The details of the lawsuit can be found here.

The story made headlines all over America, and the house located at 657 Boulevard in Westfield is known as “The Watcher House.” In the Lifetime movie, some of the locations and names were changed, and the couple was changed from a white couple to an interracial couple.

The identity of “The Watcher” is still unknown, although some speculate that it could have been penned by a jealous neighbor or a woman. The story was also embellished a bit to include a black raven and takes the viewer in the direction of something almost paranormal.

The Watcher, AKA Raven’s Watch, is produced by 21st Street Films and MarVista Productions with MarVista Entertainment distributing. Executive producers for The Watcher are Sharon Bordas, Hannah Pillemer, and Fernando Szew.

Keep checking your local listing for dates and times for this upcoming Lifetime movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxQ8S7pKCdM

How the Westfield Watcher House Looks Inside: Video Tour

[Image via MarVista Entertainment]