The Stolen Girl

Well I was sold on the cast, regardless of the story. By the end of episode 1, it was clear, that this 5 part series was going to be excellent. In a nutshell, this is a synopsis...Elisa ( the always fantastic Denise Gough) and Fred ( Ditto excellence Jim Sturgess are married with 2 kids, Lucia and George. A new schoolmate ( Josie) with calm and cool mom, Rebecca Strike Back's wonderful, Holliday Grainger) ask Lucia to stay for a sleepover. The next morning when Elisa goes to pick up her daughter, it turns out the the home was an Air B&B, and all traces of Lucia, Rebecca and Josie are gone. The next 4 episodes introduces us to a variety of characters including Ambika Mod ( One Day), and Bronagh Waugh ( everything great). The show does not go off the rails nor is it contrived. This series is based on the novel, " Playdate", by Alex Dahl.

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.

Not the worst series I've seen but very predictable. Not a strong cast either. Denise Gough holds this whole series together unfortunately. Could have been a great series with stronger actors. The few plot twists were actually not bad and where I say predictable a couple of turns I didn't see coming but nothing earth shattering. If you've got nothing better to watch it's ok to have on in the background. Not a lot to worry about if you miss a few minutes here and there. You could nearly just watch the first episode and the last and not bother with the rest. Not horrendous but not going to win any awards either.

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.

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.