If you're searching for a compelling and binge-worthy British crime drama, look no further, as we've got just the recommendation for you. A four-part police procedural on Netflix has completely captivated audiences, with fans claiming they found the limited series to be considerably more engaging and addictive than acclaimed shows such as Luther and The Fall - crime dramas frequently regarded as among the finest television has to offer.
What Makes Collateral Stand Out
The cop drama Collateral has enthralled viewers, and with good reason. Boasting gripping storylines, an all-star cast, countless twists and turns, and outstanding performances throughout - the crime drama series has something to offer everyone.
Created and written by David Hare, who has been writing for the BBC since 1973, Collateral marked his first original series for television. The crime drama was directed by SJ Clarkson and first aired in the UK in February 2018 on BBC Two. The series was swiftly snapped up by streaming giant Netflix and received a worldwide release on the platform the following month in March, reports the Express.
Star-Studded Cast and Plot
Three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan takes the lead role in the show, portraying Detective Inspector Kip Glaspie. Mulligan is joined by a remarkable Billie Piper, John Simm, Nathaniel Martello-White, Jeany Spark, Nicola Walker, Kim Medcalf, Nick Mohammed, and Hayley Squires alongside a broader ensemble cast, all of whom have garnered praise for their exceptional performances throughout the series.
Collateral's official plot states: "Investigating the murder of a pizza delivery man, a London detective uncovers a tangled conspiracy involving drug dealers, smugglers and spies." The crime drama received two BAFTA Television Award nominations - Best Photography & Lighting: Fiction and a Best Supporting Actress nod for Billie Piper.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
Viewers across the board have been thoroughly impressed with the detective thriller, with one critic writing: "Collateral felt believable and exciting." While another reviewer said: "It's a smart and solid miniseries, particularly for those who don't already watch a lot of bleak British detective shows and can still be surprised by how everything in London seems connected."
A third critic wrote: "It's a tangled web of individuals and motivations, and while some may find this all a bit too heavy on coincidence, there's no question that Collateral is a gripping procedural." While one reviewer heaped praise on Mulligan and Piper's performances: "Carey Mulligan, as DI Kip, excels, as does Billie Piper as the louche posh drawling lovely: one struggles to tear the eyes from any scene in which either appears."
Audiences are equally enthralled, with one viewer posting on Rotten Tomatoes: "Superb. Everything you want a modern thriller series to be. And limited too! Carry Mulligan is faultless." Another fan of the series drew comparisons with several benchmark-setting programmes: "I've just watched this after watching and attempting to watch a number of other police/crime dramas over the preceding weeks (The Fall, The Bay, The Undoing) and I'd say this was probably the best of them, certainly way better than The Bridge, of which I watched 2 episodes before giving up; Marcella, which I gave up on after one episode and Luther which I gave up on after 20 minutes."
One user review posted to IMDB says: "It has been a while since I have thoroughly enjoyed a TV series as much as I did Collateral. First off, the acting was superb. Carey Mulligan and Jeany Spark proved to be talented actors and so did Nathaniel who was a joy to watch, not only with his good looks but giving the audience the feel of a true, dashing detective. Secondly, the writing was very good and kept me wanting more without getting bored. In fact, there was so much action, one would find it difficult to move away even for a minute!"
While another viewer said: "Some of the greatest writing and complex storylines I have seen in years. WOW, what an excellent 4-Part series-with a killer soundtrack as well. Collateral has something for everybody: It's a murder mystery, It's a political drama, It's a spy thriller. As you follow this very complex tale you cannot help but feel the intrigue and tension build. It is a tremendous shame the British Academy Television Awards only saw fit to give Collateral only 2 nominations. Collateral is a must watch for everyone in 2019."
Collateral is currently available to stream on Netflix.
