Paramount+ has sent shockwaves through the streaming world with the first chilling glimpse of its upcoming thriller, Girl Taken, starring a dramatically transformed Alfie Allen and EastEnders icon Jill Halfpenny. The series, which will premiere in January 2025, promises a raw and terrifying exploration of trauma and resilience.
A Sinister Transformation and a Mother's Anguish
The newly released images showcase a stark departure for Alfie Allen, best known for playing Theon Greyjoy in the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones. He is almost unrecognisable in the role of Rick Hansen, a beloved local teacher in a quiet English town who is revealed to be the perpetrator of a horrific abduction. Opposite him, Jill Halfpenny takes on the emotionally charged part of Eve, the devastated mother of the kidnapped girl.
The series, previously known under the working title Baby Doll, is adapted from the novel by Hollie Overton. It follows the story of twin sisters Lily and Abby, whose lives are shattered when Lily is abducted by Hansen. The narrative picks up years later, after Lily manages a daring escape from captivity.
The High Cost of Freedom
However, freedom proves to be its own battle. The world Lily longed to return to has moved on without her, and she, alongside her twin Abby and their mother Eve, must confront the lasting psychological damage. The synopsis highlights the "terrifying reality that Rick is still out there", determined to control the story and evade justice, adding a relentless layer of threat to their fragile recovery.
Sisters Tallulah and Delphi Evans portray the twins Lily and Abby, with actress Niamh Walsh (Jamestown) appearing to play an older version of Lily. The impressive supporting cast includes Vikash Bhai, Levi Brown, Victoria Ekanoye, Holly Atkins, and Kiran Krishnakumar.
Creative Team and Release Details
The six-part series has been adapted for television by screenwriters David Turpin, Suzanne Cowie, and Nessah Muthy. Directing duties are handled by Laura Way and Bindu de Stoppani, known for their work on dramas like The Serial Killer's Wife and Beyond Paradise.
Paramount+ confirmed that Girl Taken will premiere on Thursday, 8th January 2025. The streaming service is currently running a promotional half-price sale on its subscriptions, making the launch of this highly anticipated, emotionally charged thriller a potential major draw for new subscribers seeking gripping, character-driven drama.
