A crime thriller described by fans as 'phenomenal' is taking Netflix UK by storm, with viewers reporting they are completely hooked after just the first ten minutes. Absentia, which originally aired between 2017 and 2020, has found a powerful second life after being added to the streaming giant's library.
From Prime Video to Netflix Success
The series, which was initially produced for Prime Video, has quickly climbed the charts in its new streaming home. At the time of writing, Absentia is the fifth most-watched series among Netflix subscribers in the United Kingdom. This is a significant achievement for a show that is several years old and is competing with high-profile new releases like The Beast In Me.
For those without a Netflix subscription, all three seasons of the gripping drama are also available to stream for free on Channel 5's on-demand service, My5.
A Gripping Plot That Captivates
The show's synopsis sets the stage for a complex and dark narrative. It follows FBI special agent Emily Byrne, played by Stana Katic, who vanishes without a trace while hunting a notorious Boston serial killer. She is eventually declared dead in absentia.
Six years later, she is discovered alive in a remote cabin, with no memory of her missing years. Her return home is far from a happy one; she learns her husband has remarried and her son is being raised by his new wife. To complicate matters further, she soon becomes the prime suspect in a new string of murders, forcing her to fight to reclaim her life, her family, and her identity.
Audience Acclaim and Critical Reception
While the series holds a modest 50% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it has earned a much more favourable 70% audience score. Fans of the show have been particularly vocal on social media and review platforms, passionately recommending it to other viewers.
One viewer praised the lead performance, stating, "Stana is phenomenal per-usual and gives an excellent performance... She deserves all the praise and more for this show."
Another admitted to being instantly captivated, saying, "Right from the initial 10 minutes, it had me hooked to the screen. Surely it's among the great mystery thrillers ever made." They highlighted the "very, very intriguing story" filled with twists, good acting, and a cliffhanger at the end of every episode.
A third fan echoed the sentiment, confirming the show's addictive nature: "Had me hooked. The twists and turns can be difficult to keep track of but it’s been a long time since a series has had me so captured." They acknowledged the show's frustrating moments but highly recommended it for its character development and complex storylines.
Absentia, starring the renowned Stana Katic from Castle, is now available for streaming on both Netflix and My5.
