The 2020 Irish-British psychological thriller The Deceived, crafted by the same writer behind the award-winning series Derry Girls, is now streaming on Channel 5. This six-episode mini-series offers a dark tale of obsession, gaslighting, and deadly secrets, making it a must-watch for fans of The Capture and similar thrillers.
Plot and Setting
The story follows Ophelia Marsh, a Cambridge University student who becomes romantically entangled with her married lecturer, Michael Callaghan, who lives in the fictional Donegal village of Knockdara. Their affair takes a devastating turn when a tragic death occurs, leaving Ophelia ensnared in a web of deceit and an unsettling power struggle with her secret lover.
One critic from The Age described the series as "creepy without being too disturbing (indeed it's a little silly in places), and with a pleasing twist, it's the viewing equivalent of comfort food, combining classic film tropes with timeless, undemanding subject matter."
Starring Paul Mescal
The series features Normal People star Paul Mescal, who has since appeared in Gladiator II, Hamnet, and Aftersun. In The Deceived, he portrays Sean McKeogh, an Irish builder and volunteer firefighter who serves as Ophelia's trusted ally as she pieces together the truth about the death.
An IMDB viewer review noted: "I really enjoyed this. It kept me guessing throughout and I thought the mind games played by Michael on his young student were carefully crafted, skillful and sinister. Ending was brilliant. Ep 3 and 4 were best but all high standard."
Cast and Reception
Alongside Mescal, the cast includes Emmett J. Scanlan as the lecturer and Emily Reid as the student, with supporting roles from Eleanor Methven, Catherine Walker, and Ciara Berkeley. Reviews often praise the cast's performances, though some criticism targets the script and storyline.
Another review highlighted: "This was a truly excellent four part drama... a smart, creepy, sinister series, which will have you gripped until its conclusion. It has more than a hint of Rebecca about it, very much so, and despite being set in modern day, the story has a wonderful vintage feel."
Availability
Originally released during the pandemic, The Deceived failed to garner significant attention on its limited platform. Now, all four episodes are available to stream for free on Channel 5, offering viewers a chance to see Paul Mescal in an early role before his rise to blockbuster stardom.
