Don't Leave Me

This Italian drama series opens with the discovery of the body of a boy in the Venice Lagoon. Evidence suggests it was probably a suicide but policewoman Elena Zonin believes his death is linked to a series of disappearences which she is convinced involves a ring of paedophiles who are selling children on the dark web. At first her superiors are unconvinced but then another boy vanishes. Setting up a team Elena has a race against time to find the boy before it is too late. Adding some extra tension to proceedings is the fact that Elena hasn't been to Venice in about twenty years; returning sees her working alongside old friend Daniele Vianello, who is now married.

I thought this was a gripping series. The subject matter is dealt with in a way that isn't too disturbing but is still tense. There is often a good sense of danger. The characters are likeable and fun to watch; the actors doing fine jobs in their roles. Venice is an impressive location; inviting in the daytime but somewhat sinister at night. Unlike too many series this has an ending that wraps things up nicely; it also provided a surprise that I didn't see coming. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of Euro-drama.

These comments are based on watching the series in Italian with English subtitles.

Most of the events take place in Venice - in a pearl of Italy - and the start was quite promising, but then odd relations, flashbacks and scenes began to dominate and the pace of events reduced significantly. True, towards the end of this miniseries main mysteries were explained, but the roundup came hastily in the second half or so of the final episode. Some scenes were anticipated and when it all ended, I did not feel content with what I had watched - in comparison with e.g. Rocco Schiavone, Signora Volpe, Commissario Montalbano - other Italian crime series focusing on a location outside major Italian cities.

The characters-performances in Non mi lasciare were not excelling as well, and I still have 2 main questions about the things that annoyed me (as many twists and turns emanated from them): 1) If a country/city has issues of street kids and running-off kids, why the wrongdoers took so much time and energy for luring their victims via Internet?

2) How-why the files of a closed and abandoned orphanage remained openly available to everyone - in a modern EU society with strict privacy rules?

So, although the Series is over the average, it is not a must watch.

It is not often that this jaded thriller fan is impressed, and less often that he is moved to tears. But this series did both. I was all the more impressed and moved because the real coup de theatre came from a direction I did not anticipate but could not deny. Among the many outstanding contributions (besides the direction and writing) are the lead actors, who are incredibly charismatic, and a marvelous music score that evolves and sneaks up on you over the course of the series. I persevere through many so-so or merely satisfying shows to come upon a gem like this. Bravissimo!

PS: Months after posting this review, I occasionally come across this show in listings, and try to remember what I so loved about it. Then it comes back to me...and I suddenly catch my breath. So heartbreaking, so beautiful.

As frequent travelers to Venice we have to rate this the best cinematography of Venice and outlying islands we have ever watched. The scenery was magical and took us back down memory lane with all the familiar places. The story line was exciting, emotional and the acting was incredible. So many twists and turns of emotions between the actors and surprisingly an extremely sensitive and happy ending. Gave me a different perspective of Venice after dark and early morning. Watched the last episode last night and already talking about re watching!

If ever there was a show where the achievements of the cinematographer outshone those of the writer, director and cast, this is it. True, the camera crew have Venice to work with, and Venice (as so many filmmakers have found) is a character in itself: all you've got to do is pay attention to its details and idiosyncrasies. Even so, the camera work and editing here is remarkable good, full of curiosity and maybe even love for the location.

The script, however, is a total plodder, more leaking dinghy than gondola. Mysterious girl returns to hometown after decades away, now cast as the avenging angel for kids being abused and sold online. Tough work, for sure, but it's treated here as almost backdrop to the mawkish romantic plot elements in which our heroine (improbably partnered with her old boyfriend who wasn't even a cop but a musician last time they met!) is an Italian kickass ninja with great hair rather than a real person moved by the plight of those she has devoted her life to saving, i.e. Abused kids. (I tack them on to the end of the sentence here the way the plot tacks them on to this otherwise entirely average romance cop show in a cool location.)

So often, Italian dramas (with some honourable exceptions) add mush and Muzak where muscle and motivation would be much more welcome and effective. This is one of those shows where the splendor of the backdrop makes the main attraction (if we can use such a term of the theme) look like nothing to get worked up about - hardly what you want in a show on such a subject.

You'll learn nothing about how pedophiles really work (except that it has to do with the Dark Web, apparently) and you'll think Venice looks great if a bit damp off season. Other than that you'll see some nice clothes and some handsome people pretending to be serious and getting in and out of boats of various kinds.

Sadly, three episodes were more than enough.