Deceit

A moving and quite heartbreaking account of a special police unit, set up to ensnare their number one suspect of a grisly murder. But is their suspect the right man? What follows is a psychological game of cat & mouse, that ends with devastating consequences.

Based on true life events, it works well as an insight into how, even when we truly believe something to be so, that it doesn't always mean that it is.

Recently, I came across an intriguing mini-series titled "Deceit," comprising four riveting episodes. The narrative unfolds around a dedicated policewoman tasked with infiltrating criminal organizations. As she becomes entangled in the complex case of a murderer linked to a suspect, the storyline takes unexpected turns, introducing a myriad of challenges.

What sets this series apart is its clever incorporation of a police psychologist, adding a unique dimension to the investigative process. "Deceit" is a 2021 American production that skillfully explores the intricacies of crime and the efforts to unravel deception.

The series not only delves into the criminal underworld but also presents a satirical take on the involvement of a psychological perspective in police work. Its 2021 release reflects a contemporary approach to storytelling, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Considering it's based on a true story I think the writers did a good job of squeezing as much drama as possible from the events.

But it's not perfect. There are some very slow moments and overall it might have fitted one less episode better.

Having said that, it is quite compelling and most of the lead actors were excellent.

I found the constant semi darkness very annoying. Reliance on shadows, emotive music and prolonged strained facial expressions made for a draining and often boring watch. It was obviously well researched with some stellar acting and great moments, but it felt like a missed opportunity. Too drawn out. A focus on the other characters involved, such as the Professor, or less episodes (!), may have enriched it.

Beautifully shot, terrific performances and a script that sizzles with a mix of verbatim and written dialogue, this outstanding drama is a world away from most British true crime. It feels like a reinvention of the genre and is a truly compelling watch. Sion Daniel Young turns in a superb performance as Stagg and we feel every ounce of his suffering as he's targeted by the unstoppable Niamh Algar as Lizzie James. Eddie Marsan is gently terrifying as the criminal psychologist out of his depth. I've never seen anything quite like this before. An absolute 10/10.