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A new feature-length documentary, Grenfell Uncovered is now available on Netflix. It sets out what happened on 14 June 2017 that led to the deaths of 72 people in the worst fire in the UK since the second world war and the fight for justice that has gone on since then using powerful testimony and interviews with bereaved, survivors and residents of Grenfell Tower.
Pete Apps is a journalist working for Inside Housing. In this film, he tells the story of the fire based on his extensive writing about the Grenfell Inquiry which he followed until its conclusion in September 2024. That Inquiry made over 100 recommendations for change based on its forensic investigation into the fire.
Along with Guillermo Rein, a professor of fire science at Imperial College London, and others they provide an insight into the refurbishment of the Tower, the fire itself and the aftermath in the eight years since June 2014.
The film is a challenging but necessary watch for anyone who wants to understand how it is possible for a fire in modern London to take the lives of 72 people and how a fire safety regime failed so many. Since then, that regime been under intense scrutiny and subject to extensive legislative change based on the experience at Grenfell, as the government and wider fire sector seeks to ensure that something like this can never happen again.
Interweaving the timeline of the fire from just past midnight on 14 June, the film makers provide a space for those who escaped the fire to tell their story. It is an unimaginable experience that, told by Luana Gomes a now 20 year old woman left with its indelible imprint, recalls the trauma that she as a 12 year old girl suffered and the tragedy that befell her family. Her bravery – along with her father Marcio, in telling this story is astonishing.
“We just want justice, I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”
Luana Gomes, former Grenfell Tower resident.
Two London firefighters share their experience of responding to the fire and eight years on, the clarity of their recollection and the impact that night had on them is palpable.
“The number 72 should rest with anyone who cares about that happened that night,” says Pete. His book, Show me the bodies, is required reading such is the level of detail he shares based on his extensive reporting from the Inquiry. He talks in this film about the companies that supplied the flammable cladding that wrapped the tower, the government’s regulatory regime that weakened fire safety and how austerity led decisions on how to refurbish the Tower that ultimately would lead to the fire in 2017.
With contributions from the impressive Inquiry KC, Richard Millett and a surprising appearance from the former Prime Minister Theresa May – who was heavily criticised at the time for not meeting the community immediately after the fire – the film includes an impressive cast of key players and is all the stronger for it.
Grenfell Uncovered should be watched by everyone in the emergency services. and is available on Netflix now.
To find out about the plans for the Tower read – Grenfell Tower removal to take around two years, says government.
