Netflix movie A WIDOW’S GAME True Story

The shocking real-life case behind the new Netflix true crime drama A Widow’s Game. Get the true story behind the crime that shocked Spain and made international headlines. It’s even more sinister than you’d think!

The Netflix movie A Widow’s Game true story is at least as sinister as the movie depicts. Of course, Netflix is no stranger to gripping true crime dramas. Still, its latest addition, A Widow’s Game, is particularly dark.

If you’re wondering whether A WIDOW’S GAME is based on a true story, the answer is a chilling yes. The movie is inspired by the real-life case of Maria Jesus Moreno Canto, dubbed the “Black Widow of Patraix”.

The twisted tale of deception, manipulation, and murder (all orchestrated by her) shocked Spain in 2017.

Get to know the true story here

Here’s everything you need to know about the A WIDOW’S GAME true story. This includes who Maria Jesus Moreno Canto is, what happened to her husband, Antonio Navarro Cerdan, and where the real people are today.

If you’re looking for a review of the Netflix movie, then simply click here >

Is A WIDOW’S GAME based on a true story?

Yes, A WIDOW’S GAME is directly inspired by real events. The movie dramatizes the events leading up to the murder of Antonio Navarro Cerdan. He was a man betrayed most brutally by the woman he loved: His wife of less than a year!

Known in Spanish media as the “Black Widow of Patraix,” Maria Jesus Moreno Canto, or “Maje,” conspired with her lover to orchestrate her husband’s murder.

This real-life crime has captivated audiences not only because of the brutal nature of the act, but also because of the intricate web of lies, affairs, and manipulation involved.

Who is Maria Jesus Moreno Canto?

At the center of the A WIDOW’S GAME true story is Maria Jesus Moreno Canto, known as Maje. In 2017, she was a 28-year-old nurse living in Valencia, Spain, who had moved to the city from a small town in search of a new life.

Outwardly, she appeared to be happily married to Antonio Navarro Cerdan, an engineer who was deeply devoted to her. But behind the scenes, Maje’s life was riddled with secrets.

Maje had a reputation for infidelity. Just a month before their wedding, she was discovered to be having an affair with a physiotherapist. Antonio, unaware of what was to come, forgave her.

This is also featured as part of the story in the Netflix movie.

It was later revealed that Maje was involved with Salvador R.L, a nursing assistant who worked with her at the same medical center. Salvador was married to Inma, another colleague.

The tangled relationships between these coworkers added another disturbing layer to an already shocking case.

What did Maria Jesus Moreno Canto do?

According to court testimony, Maria Jesus Moreno Canto manipulated Salvador into murdering her husband. She denied orchestrating the murder but admitted to helping cover it up.

During the trial, Salvador claimed Maje told him she was being mistreated by Antonio and that he needed to protect her. Driven by jealousy and desperation, Salvador fatally stabbed Antonio with a butcher’s knife on August 16, 2017, in the garage of the couple’s home.

Maje had given Salvador a key to the garage and detailed instructions about her husband’s schedule.

The prosecution presented 52 pieces of evidence, including WhatsApp messages, photos, and recorded conversations, which painted a clear picture of premeditated murder. Everything is very much as presented in the movie about this true crime.

What happened after the murder?

Following a high-profile trial, both Maje and Salvador were convicted. Maje received a 22-year prison sentence, while Salvador was sentenced to 17 years. During the trial, Maje’s own brother declared:

“If she really is guilty, she will no longer be my sister.”

The media frenzy surrounding the case turned it into one of Spain’s most infamous modern true crime stories, eventually leading to its adaptation as a Netflix film.

Where can I watch A WIDOW’S GAME?

The movie based on this harrowing true story is available to stream exclusively on Netflix starting May 30, 2025. Blending psychological drama with true crime horror, A Widow’s Game dives deep into the manipulation and betrayal behind a seemingly normal marriage.

You can read our review of A Widow’s Game here >

Final thoughts on the A WIDOW’S GAME true story

The story of Maria Jesus Moreno Canto is a terrifying reminder that sometimes the most dangerous people are hiding in plain sight. A Widow’s Game doesn’t just tell the story of a murder. It shows the dark and sinister planning of it.

It peels back the layers of manipulation and deceit that led to Antonio Navarro Cerdan’s tragic death.

If you’re a fan of true crime thrillers based on real events, A WIDOW’S GAME is a must-watch. Just be prepared: the truth is often more disturbing than fiction.