The Stolen Girl

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.

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.

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.

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.

It was a good series. Entertaining, but I firgured out pretty quickly what must have happened. I was waiting for another twist, but it never came. I did watch it in one go, so it kept me interested!

Great perfomance by the women in gthis cast, especially the woman who plays Elisa and the woman who plays Josephine's mother. The man who played Fred also did a great job.

Not everything seems to be realistic in my opinion, but it also wasn't extremely farfetched. I would watch if there will be another season made.

I was left with a few questions about the 'why?' of some things, so maybe those questions could be answered in a second season.