Elfreda

Nora is consumed with solving the murder of a young woman, Elfreda, that happened in her hometown of Harbour Grace in 1870. The murder has become a symbol for Nora of how long injustice has persisted for women, including in today's society. As a professor of gender inequality, she witnesses the milestones women have made over centuries that are now being obliterated. Nora returns to Newfoundland and from her research finds an article in the Express newspaper of 1870 describing the horrific murder of Elfreda Pike, a sixteen-year-old girl who was found stabbed. Supported by her colleague Vivian and a new friend Zoe, Nora decides to write a book and continues to hunt down details that will solve Elfreda's murder and give her a voice 150 years later. Nora's book launch of Elfreda discloses a historic letter she reads from a Constable Furey, who headed the investigation, and shockingly confesses on his deathbed 50 years later that he was the man who killed Elfreda Pike.

Directed by Rhonda Buckley, Elfreda leans on a strong ensemble — Miranda McDonald, Ife Alaba, Ebony Pharamond — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about mystery titles of 2023.