'Chris Watts: Confessions Of A Killer' Movie Preview: A Look At The New Lifetime Film

On Jan. 25, "Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer" will premiere on Lifetime. The new movie will tell the true story of how the Frederick, Colorado, resident murdered his family, including his pregnant wife and two young daughters, on Aug. 13, 2018. Here's what we know about how they are planning to portray Chris, Shanann, Celeste, and Bella, in the movie.

Leading up to the true-crime movie's debut, Lifetime shared a preview of what viewers can expect to see in on the small screen. In the short clip, which can be seen below, Chris can be seen interacting with his family prior to their murders. Scenes of search and rescue dogs and his subsequent interrogation are also featured.

Chris himself will be played by Sean Kleier, while Shanann will be portrayed by Ashley Williams. Brooke Smith is also set to star in the new Lifetime movie as CBI agent Tammy Lee.

Lifetime's synopsis for the film reads as follows:

When Chris Watts (Kleier) tearfully pleaded to television cameras for the safe return of his missing pregnant wife Shanann (Williams) and their two young daughters, dark secrets loomed just beneath the surface. As the story spread, hearts went out to the distraught father and husband, who appeared to lead a charmed life. But days later, after failing a lie detector test, Chris confessed to brutally murdering his family and slowly revealed the horrific details of their deaths. Friends and family were left reeling, looking for answers as his double life and secret affair came to light.

While the movie is being portrayed as a take on the real-life events, according to CBS Denver, Shanann's family has spoken out against the movie. Last week, lawyers representing Frank and Sandra Rzucek, Shanann's parents, revealed how their clients feel about the upcoming picture.

As stated in the outlet, they claim that Lifetime did not consult with those close to the victims in order to "get an accurate portrayal of the family." The Rzuceks are also not profiting from the movie.

"[The family is experiencing] both anger and hurt. But, it leans more toward pain. They have indicated how horrible it is to relive that,” attorney Tom Grant said, adding, "[The family texted me saying,] 'We woke up this morning and watched a depiction of our daughter being strangled.' And, it brings everything back up to the surface again."

This is not the first time that the family has spoken out about how the crimes have been portrayed in the media. In 2019, Frank held a press conference in an attempt to stop the online harassment they received following the murders.

READ: Chris Watts Update: Investigator, Detective Discuss Dealing With Trauma A Year Later

As for the real Chris Watts, he confessed to the murders and was sentenced to life in prison without parole in November 2018. Since then, reports have surfaced that said he is in "his own private hell" inside the penitentiary where he is serving his time. However, he has continued to receive female visitors since beginning his time behind bars.

Following his imprisonment, he also decided to write a series of letters to author Cherlyn Cadle for her book "Letters From Christopher: The Tragic Confessions of the Watts Family Murders" where he revealed that he believes his one-time mistress, Nichol Kessinger, and a "darkness" inside of him contributed to the crimes.

"Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer" will premiere Saturday, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.