Courtesy of PRIMETIMER
Where can you watch an ominous stranger reveal news of a fake pregnancy to a dedicated father? An insanely trippy teenage rave? A mysteriously decapitated alpaca? A beloved missing mother? Secrets that unravel, destroying families and the whole community in the process? The answer is in the new Netflix original series “The Stranger.” Released on Thursday, Jan. 30, “The Stranger” is based on the book by renowned American mystery novelist Harlan Coben.
“The Stranger” features a star-studded cast of British actors who played roles in other well-known movies and television series such as “Captain America: The First Avenger” actor Richard Armitage, “Game of Thrones” actress Hannah John-Kamen, “Downton Abbey” actress Siobhan Finneran and “Skins” actress Lily Loveless, among others. These actors do not disappoint, giving beautiful and believable heartfelt and emotional performances in this series.
In addition to the incredibly talented cast that brings the show to life, it is the story itself and the way in which the plot unfolds that truly make “The Stranger” stand out. Every episode is a roller-coaster ride of revelations, atrocities and twists keeping viewers in complete suspense and shock. In fact, the ability to keep the curious audience equally confused and engaged throughout each episode and the entire series is not an easy task, but it is well-achieved here. In each episode, more secrets are revealed and tension continues to build, ultimately leading toward another revelation and a climactic end. It is within about the last five minutes of every episode that all hell breaks loose with one twist after another, leaving the viewer with no choice but to click “Next Episode” as fast as they can.
Beside the actors and the plot, there are several technical elements that allow the story to elicit the emotion, suspense and dramatic effect it desires to achieve. The foreboding, mysterious and intense music coupled with each scene creates a sense of unease among the audience. The camera angles and aesthetic shots directed by Daniel O’Hara also add to the show’s overall effectiveness.
Fans of mysteries, crime procedurals, psychological thrillers, dramas and simply anything dark will most likely enjoy “The Stranger.” More specifically, fans of “Twin Peaks,” “Broadchurch” and “Black Mirror” would probably also enjoy “The Stranger,” considering that it has a similar dark tone.
It is unclear whether or not there will be a second season of “The Stranger.” Although there is an immense amount of potential for a second season, the finale of the first season answers enough questions and provides enough closure for it to remain a limited series. It is rare for a television series to have such a satisfying ending. However, season one of “The Stranger” provides the ending its audience desperately craves and deserves after trying to piece together the puzzling plot all season long. If there were to be a second season, it would most likely be as well-received and binge-watched as the first one. Either way, Harlan Coben’s “The Stranger” has left its mark on the Netflix community as the new must-see thriller show of 2020.
