The Stolen Girl

I'm actually a bit lost for words on this one. It is so badly written, the story is ridiculous with characters doing things no real person would do, ever and the acting by the lead is so bad that it's hard to understand how this actress got the job. The whole production feels cheap and lacking any quality. How can this be on Disney? How did it get made? Who hired this writer who doesn't seem to have the most basic grasp of storytelling and cannot write dialogue that even vaguely approximates real life. One of the reviews says it's from the same team as those Harlen Coben dramas on Netflix and that makes sense as they are equally rubbish with unbelievable female characters and storylines, poor production values and terrible actors. 1/10 is generous.

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 main plot of the show is really good, and the production is paced well. It has that problem that most 'streaming binge' drama has in that it is constantly explaining the obvious, treating the audience as if they are either a) on their phone or b) really stupid. So the script feels a little on the wonky side from the get go.

The major drawback, and this stops it getting a higher score for me is just how howlingly bad some of the acting. Everything line comes at you with a sigh, every line has a sharp intake of breath and a really laboured way of delivering 'plot' which makes it feel less classy than a show of this budget should.

It's okay and passes a few hours of telly wallpaper but with a plotline that's as potentially good as this it could have been much much better.

Somewhere deep inside is a plot that has some merit but, with the exception of Holiday Grainger, the acting is so bad it's beyond laughable. One can only suspect that Disney+ signed it up unseen.

The performance of the distraught mother (Elisa) and the lead detective (D. I. Sinclair) are disgraceful but award winning by comparison to journalist (Selma) and her editor (Kaleb). Most of the others are bad but could easily blame diabolical direction.

Selma interviews without taking notes and receives photographic evidence via email which arrives within seconds and without having given her address.

Reactions are amateurish and situations contrived however, the worst part of all is that I watched all 5 episodes but in my defence, I had a wager on the ending.

This mini-series is well-paced at 5 episodes, with a decent, well-written storyline.

Multiple twists and developments keep it engaging, with interesting emotional shifts as the series progresses.

The production seems to have been appropriately budgeted for with decent cast, brilliant scenary and good diversity of locations throughout.

Mod plays the role of the tenacious journalist really well, while I found some of Grainger's more dramatic scenes less than convincing. Gough's performance was brilliant throughout and she was able to showcase a good degree of range in this title.

I think this will age pretty well, and is definitely worth a watch in my view.