Chère petite

As Episode 1 of "Dear Child" (2023 release from Germany; 6 episodes ranging from 45 to 50 min) opens, we see a woman and 2 children who are locked up by a man. The woman manages to escape but she is badly injured in a hit-and-run. Somehow her 12 yo daughter makes it out as well. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from German director Isabel Kleefeld, turning the German bestseller of the same name into a 6 part mini-series. This is a super plot-heavy psychological drama, so the less said about the story line, the better. All I will say is that what appears at first hand in the opening episode raises more questions than it gives answers. Of course all is revealed in the remaining 5 episodes. Kleefeld and the rest of the production team is to be commended for creating a very tense atmosphere from the get-go that barely lets us. Equally up to the task is the non-names (for me anyway) German cast, none more so than the girl who plays the 12 yo. Beware: some of the scenes are disturbing, borderline psychological torture, so no, this ain't for the faint of heart.

All 6 episodes "Dear Child" started airing on Netflix a few days ago. I just watched this over 2 nights (3 episodes a night). If you are in the mood for a complex psychological drama that is very tense from the get-go, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

An amazing mini series with minor story holes.

First when I tried it I was sceptical, I wanted something new before going to sleep.

But, just 5 minutes intro the episode, I wasn't sleepy anymore. I was under my blanket, crossing fingers for what's going next.

I couldn't stop watching, I binged all the series in the same night until 4am.

Story is amazing, the acting, the feelings, the sadness and the happiness jumped from the screen into my soul.

The psychology in it, the shots, the dark situations. I didn't want it to stop, and when it ended, I said to myself: "I get her"

It was an amazing experience.

I found some of the reviews unhelpful. I read them while working my way through the early episodes and I have to say that while some say the ending was disappointing or rushed, I don't agree. Reading the reviews nearly put me off continuing with the series.

I actually enjoyed the ending and felt that everything tied in pretty well. I also liked the fact that there was much more depth to the plot than I expected. There were some holes but overall it was a pretty decent watch. I lack patience with these types of shows and often fail to finish them but I didn't regret hanging on for the end of this one.

I enjoyed this mini-series a lot and the writing and acting were top notch. Lots of layers carefully revealed at the right time. Many plot twists and sudden revelations that cast everything in a brand new light. Like a good mystery should do, done quite well here.

The acting of the Hannah character was particularly notable for its almost chilling realism.

My only complaint is that the ending seemed really rushed and there were lots of questions left unanswered. I see this as largely a mystery effort, not wrapping up the loose ends is pretty unsatisfying. But all things considered this is a worthwhile viewing.

This series is captivating from the get-go, with a perfect blend of mystery, family drama, horror, and cop procedural show. The acting is top-notch especially from the young actress playing Hannah. She is the glue to the show and all eeriness emanates from where she comes from. The story is well-told, with excellent cinematography blending colors and darkness with the right amount to spook you. Up until around episode 5, I consider this a 10, however, the rather mundane reveal and the somewhat anti-climactic and rushed ending put a downer on what could have been a flawless new production from Germany.