Chloe

As Episode 1 of "Chloe" (2022 release from the UK; 6 episodes of about 55 min each) opens, we get to know Becky, who obsessively follows Chloe's social media. Then one day, Becky notices that Chloe has died, with her last post quoting the Smiths' "To die by your side/Is such a heavenly way to die". What has happened here? How did Chloe die? Who is the "your side" she quotes? And why is Becky so obsessed with Chloe to begin with?

Couple of comments: this mini-series is the brainchild of Alice Seabright, who co-wrote and co-directs. Here she dives into the obsessive life lived by Becky, who is determined to find out what really happened to Chloe by essentially reinventing herself and embedding with Chloe's friends (as found in Chloe's social media). The series is super plot-heavy and so I will not say another word on how it all plays out. The cast are mostly no-names from me, except for Erin Doherty ("The Crown") in the main role of Becky. The series was filmed in and around Bristol, a nice change of scenery from the otherwise obligatory London sets.

"Chloe" premiered on the BBC earlier this year, and just days ago started streaming on Amazon Prime. I had read about this mini-series in the New York Times and couldn't wait to see it. I watched all 6 episodes over 2 consecutive nights, and really enjoyed this min-series. If you are in the mood for a multi-layered psychological thriller with a foreign setting, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

I am surprised that so many reviewers didn't like this. It's a well-crafted story, revealing bits of the back story gradually. A bit of a slow burner but I didn't find it too tedious.

The outstanding performance of Erin Doherty persuaded me to give this 8 and not 7. She brilliantly dealt with the switching between daughter and social climber.

One annoying feature of the production was the large number of dark shots. I don't usually comment on such things. Perhaps it was meant to reflect the murkiness of the story.

And one curious thing - perhaps someone could enlighten me. Elliot and Richard are listed on here as appearing as teenage characters in four episodes. I'm sure I didn't fall asleep but I didn't see them, unless it was a momentary appearance in a non-speaking role.

But I'm pleased to have watched it and would recommend it.

Something of a comment on our modern world but enthralling nonetheless. The complexity of the plotlines and the situations of the protagonists require a egree of concentration to follow the story, but well worth a watch.

Fraught at times with the fear of the main lead (who was very good) being caught out. Strange seeing George Warleggan in modern times. But honestly I enjoyed this all the way through.

I don't know what people want. The pacing is just right. The dialogue is often very witty. The casting is perfect. The photography and direction are great.

It is a BBC Three series, really. The main character is a duplicitous b****, but fascinating nonetheless. I'm only on episode four but unless the ending is really that bad, I'll probably award it seven out of ten.

Just one thing - surely Elliot must have a housekeeper. So where is she?