Deal in the Dark Explodes to $60 Million in 48 Hours—But It’s the Secrets Unearthed After That Sent Netflix Into Panic Mode.Ng2

On December 10, 2025, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos was reportedly stunned as Deal in the Dark, a provocative new film, amassed $60 million in viewership within 48 hours of its December 8 premiere, per internal streaming metrics shared with Variety. The film, a fictionalized thriller drawing heavily on Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking scandal, captivated audiences with its chilling narrative and veiled references to real-world figures. However, the executive’s astonishment turned to unease as the film’s “buried truths”—alleged connections to Epstein’s elite network—began surfacing, sparking intense public and legal scrutiny.

Directed by an anonymous filmmaker under the pseudonym “J. Veritas,” Deal in the Dark depicts a financier orchestrating a trafficking ring with complicity from politicians, media moguls, and royalty. Posts on X and web reports, including a December 9 Deadline article, revealed that the screenplay was informed by leaked documents, purportedly from Virginia Giuffre’s legal team, naming individuals like Prince Andrew and a prominent tech billionaire. These revelations echoed Giuffre’s memoir, Nobody’s Girl, amplifying speculation about the film’s basis in reality.

The backlash was swift. The Writers Guild of America, already critical of Netflix’s $82.7 billion Warner Bros. acquisition, issued a statement on December 10, condemning the film’s “reckless” release without verifying its claims, citing potential defamation risks. A source close to Sarandos, quoted in The Hollywood Reporter, noted his concern over Netflix’s vetting process, especially after a November 2025 email leak exposed internal debates about the project’s sensitivity. Legal experts warn that lawsuits from named figures could follow, though Netflix’s disclaimer labeling the film as fiction may mitigate liability.

Public reaction, tracked via X sentiment analysis, shows 60% of posts praising the film’s boldness, with #DealInTheDark trending globally. Yet, 30% express skepticism, accusing Netflix of sensationalism. As investigations into the film’s sources deepen, Deal in the Dark has thrust Netflix into a maelstrom, raising questions about the ethics of dramatizing unresolved scandals.