The Stolen Girl

Very well directed. The storyline is very interesting from both a criminal and a psychological perspective. The story unfolds gradually with unexpected twists and turns. The role of the journalist is pivotal, contributing significantly to the narrative. It portrays a rare yet challenging situation with a sense of realism, highlighting the complexities and nuances involved. The script adds depth to the characters, as well as to the changes in their relationships brought about by the pressure they experience. The actors deliver good performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. Additionally, the plot is not only intriguing but also layered, keeping you engaged.

The first episode had me hooked. Although not typically a fan of disjointed storytelling, I liked the way the show unfolded, which makes the final episode and the conclusion of the story that much more irritating. After the final episode, I kept checking back for another episode not believing that was the actual ending of the story.

The acting was good, particularly the leads. I found the detectives role in the story pretty terrible, I also didn't think the reporter editor interactions with him.

Overall, I liked the story, and the twists that unraveled through the disjointed storytelling. However, I just can't support the ending.

The resolution of the story is an absolute let-down and utter disappointment. Millennial do-goodism afflicts the choices of how the characters behave and of how the climax unravels. I felt cheated. But that's usually the case with contemporary defanged narratives. Pity, the acting is top notch, and much deserving of a better and much ballsier and darker script writing. The first couple of episodes are great, unfortunately it quickly becomes a morality tale of atonement that is a tad too predictable for my liking. The revelations do not land with a gut punch but with a fizzle. Once I realised where it was heading I kept hoping it would re-adjust course. It never did.

The abduction was quite innovative in the way it was planned so there was some initial intrigue. That said, this series failed to deliver on several fronts, the motive for the kidnapping was silly, and so was the whole line of the story associated with it. The ending fell flat. The car crash scene was verging on the ridiculous, the way the stationary car was overturned and destroyed and yet the other car travelling at speed didn't so much as get scratched, farcical. But the worst thing about the series for me was the acting of Ambika Mod, painfully wooden and bland. The character she was playing was also childish and annoying, not sure if that was intentional or not. Unbearable to watch either way.

A well acted and we'll written thriller with a strong cast and good performances throughout. It play's on the fears of parents everywhere. The tension builds from the start and whilst it stretches credulity a little in places with maybe one too many plot twists the overall premise is sound. It would probably have benefited from being longer which is a rarity in these days of streaming and looking back at it in hindsight there are a few minor plot holes but nothing significant enough to spoil my enjoyment. Somewhat reminiscent of Harlan Coban but where as his work does have a habit of getting a bit preposterous this tended to stay just the right side of the line. Looking forward to the next Alex Dahl adaptation.