A Boston-based thriller is unexpectedly dominating the Netflix UK charts, proving that a gripping story never goes out of style. Absentia, which first premiered in 2017, has found a massive new audience after moving to the streaming platform.
The Resurgence of a Gripping Thriller
Originally airing on Prime Video for three successful seasons, the crime drama Absentia has been given a new lease of life. It is now rapidly climbing the viewing ranks in the United Kingdom, introducing its complex narrative to a fresh wave of subscribers.
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, drawing talent from some of Britain's most beloved television shows. Fans will recognise faces from Downton Abbey, Westworld, Peaky Blinders, and The Thursday Murder Club.
A Star-Studded Cast of Familiar Faces
At the heart of the story is Stana Katic, famed for her role in Castle, who plays Special Agent Emily Byrne. The plot, as detailed by IMDB, follows her character's desperate fight to reclaim her life: "After being declared dead in absentia, an FBI agent must reclaim her family, identity and innocence when she finds herself the prime suspect in a string of murders."
The supporting cast is a who's who of British and international talent, including:
- Patrick Heusinger (Gossip Girl) as Special Agent Nick Durand
- Cara Theobold (Downton Abbey) as Alice Durand
- Neil Jackson (Westworld) as Jack Byrne
- Ralph Ineson (Peaky Blinders) as Special Agent Adam Radford
- Richard Brake (Mayor of Kingstown) as Conrad Harlow
In later seasons, the cast expands to include Matthew Le Nevez, Natasha Little, and Hugh Quarshie, adding further depth to the unfolding mystery.
What Are Viewers Saying?
Audience reception has been passionately divided, creating a buzz around the show. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 50% critics rating, but audiences have been more generous, awarding it a 69% score.
Many viewers have praised the show's relentless pace. One fan exclaimed, "Fast paced and couldn't wait for the next episode," while another called it "Absolutely superb. Brilliant thriller show... Very refreshing, scary and addictive." The binge-worthy nature was highlighted by a viewer who admitted, "I watched the whole 1st season in 1 day.. After I started I couldn't put it down."
However, some critics pointed out narrative flaws. One stated the show was "objectively bad" with too many loopholes, and another felt it "jumps the shark 3 episodes in." Despite this, a dedicated fan defended its qualities: "This show is one of very few where almost anyone can be the villain. It keeps the viewer engaged all the way through... Never boring and very exciting and mysterious."
All three thrilling seasons of Absentia are available to stream now on Netflix.
