Close to Me

Close to Me is a compelling six-part mini-series, originally aired on Viaplay in 2021. The show skillfully combines elements of psychological drama and thriller genres, offering a riveting exploration of human psyche, emotions, relationships, and the incontrovertible aspect of secrets in our lives. The plot, steeped in electric suspense and high-stake confrontations, captivates the audience right from the first episode, making each episode a ride through highs and lows of emotions, secrets, and their startling revelations.

The series is an adaptation of the popular novel of the same name penned by Amanda Reynolds. The narrative adopts an intricate structure that masterfully exploits flashback mechanic, transporting the viewers back and forth in time. This series bends the conventional storytelling approach to contribute to the overall suspense and delivers an immersive viewing experience that lets its audience feel like a part of the show seeking answers.

Close to Me introduces to us Jo Harding, performed by the brilliant Connie Nielsen, an affluent woman who seems to lead a seemingly perfect life, married for over a decade, with two grown-up children. Her character exudes an air of elegance, charm, and strength, but an unfortunate incident turns her life upside down. Jo suffers from a fall that leads to total memory loss of the previous year. In her struggle to piece together the fragments of her lost memories, the storyline unravels the deeply embedded secrets and lies within her 'perfect' family, creating an intriguing web of betrayal and deception.

Rob, played by the remarkable Christopher Eccleston, is the long-standing loyal and loving husband of Jo. The essence of their long-term marriage seems to be on shaky grounds. As Jo begins to regain her memories, one memory at a time, Rob's pleas and reassurances gradually become questionable, sending both him and the viewers into a whirlwind of uncertainty about what has transpired within the last year. The couple's intricately layered performances offer a lucid portrayal of the challenges, complexities, and strengths of long-term relationships. The character development intertwined with the suspenseful plot ensures dramatic tension and thrilling suspense for the audience.

Further, as we delve deeper into the series, we find their children, Finn and Sash, essayed by Tom Taylor and Rosy McEwen, grappling with their struggles while trying to cope with the growing unrest in the family. This dynamic within the family instrumental in unpacking some of the deepest secrets sets the stage for some dramatic and unexpected turn of events.

Set amid the beautiful landscapes of East Sussex, every frame in Close to Me carefully combines the aesthetic beauty with the underlying ominous essence of the narrative. The picturesque locations serve as refreshing contrasts to the high-tension drama unfolding among the characters. The capturing cinematography, detailed set designs, and the subtle but effectively used background score enhance the show's overall visual appeal and complements the plot's suspenseful nature.

Moreover, the series, while unravelling the narrative's dramatic core, also offers a fair look at mental health, especially memory loss. It portrays the fear, anxiety, and frustration associated with it, highlighting the issues, in a sensitive and thoughtful manner through Jo's journey, underlining the importance of tackling mental health discussions in mainstream media.

Close to Me, beyond its suspenseful storytelling and charismatic performances, raises pertinent questions surrounding trust, love and the dynamics of longstanding relationships. In addition, it compels viewers to ponder the lengths to which one would go to protect their loved ones and at what cost.

Close to Me grips the audience with its deeply immersive storytelling and spectacular performances. The compelling mystery, magnificent settings, and complex characters make for an unforgettable viewing experience. Viaplay's Close to Me is a show worth binging for the fans of psychological thriller and drama genres, and for those looking for a deep-dive into the realms of secrets, memories and the unraveling of a seemingly perfect family life.