Christopher Stevens, the acclaimed television critic, has turned his sharp eye to BritBox's latest offering, the psychological thriller Coldwater. His verdict is a cocktail of admiration for its ambition and frustration at its fundamental lack of believability.
The series plunges viewers into a nightmare scenario for any parent: a child's birthday party at a remote farm, shattered by the sudden arrival of a violent criminal gang. The story hinges on the catastrophic failure of the fathers present, who are paralysed by fear and fail to protect their own children.
A Story That Strains Credibility
Stevens dissects the central premise with surgical precision. While the show is technically well-crafted, he argues its core narrative is built on a foundation of sand. The notion that not one, but several men would succumb to such abject cowardice, allowing their families to be terrorised, pushes the boundaries of plausibility too far.
"The story just isn't believable," Stevens asserts, suggesting that while individual fear is understandable, the collective and complete failure of every male character feels like a contrived plot device rather than a realistic exploration of human nature.
Performance Praises Amid Narrative Flaws
Despite the overarching criticism, the review is not without its commendations. Stevens highlights the performance of Steve Edge, known for his comedic roles, who delivers a powerful and surprising turn as the intimidating gang leader. This performance is noted as a genuine highlight in an otherwise flawed narrative.
The production values and the initial setup of the thriller are also given their due credit, proving that the show's failure, in the critic's view, is not for a lack of trying but a lack of narrative conviction.
More Than Just a Thriller
Stevens posits that Coldwater attempts to be more than a simple suspense drama; it aims to be a commentary on modern masculinity and societal expectations of male bravery. However, he concludes that by presenting such an extreme and unbelievable scenario, the show ultimately undermines its own potential message, leaving the audience more sceptical than stirred.
For viewers seeking a tense, well-acted drama, Coldwater might provide temporary entertainment. But for those in search of a story that resonates with truth and psychological authenticity, Stevens suggests this particular well might run dry.
