Hidden (2018)

Hidden (2018) is a gripping Welsh television drama that brings forth a profoundly layered storyline focused around crime, psychology, and the perpetual darkness lurking in the symmetry of the human consciousness. The series, beautifully presented on Acorn TV, captures the viewers' attention from the get-go, immersing them in a world that is as bewitching as it is haunting.

The series features an impressive ensemble cast, including Sian Reese-Williams who portrays the stoic and troubled Detective Inspector Cadi John. Rhodri Meilir plays the unsettling yet sympathy-evoking Dylan Harris, while Gillian Elisa adds an intense touch with her portrayal of Iona Harris. Gwyneth Keyworth breathes life into the vivacious Megan Ruddock, while Ian Saynor and Nia Roberts offer cogent performances that add depth to this complex narrative. Each actor embodies their role commendably, adding an intricate layer of authenticity to this crime drama.

In Hidden (2018), DI Cadi John returns home to care for her ailing father. She gets embroiled in an investigation of a young woman's mysterious disappearance, which unfolds to echo deep-thriving social concerns and psychological dimensions. As the series progresses through its chilling narrative, the breathtaking Welsh terrain becomes a character on its own, painting a picture of stark contrasts between the serene surroundings and the visceral horror of the unfolding criminal grotesque.

The creators of this captivating series have expertly used the crime backbone to dig deeply into societal issues and tensions revolving around loneliness, social alienation, mental health, and the haunting past; making it more than just a crime thriller. As the title suggests, the narrative carries recurrent themes of grim secrets stealthily brushed under the carpet of mundane life, waiting to explode and cause havoc on the surface.

The narrative's strength lies within subtly weaving together the lives of characters whose paths cross under grave circumstances. With every episode, the web of deceit, guilt and confusion intwines even more, making characters face their past and question their future course. Moreover, it presents a haunting portrayal of steely police officers who sacrifice personal peace to bring the truth to light, a depiction that makes for riveting storytelling.

The masterful storytelling is heightened with the backdrop of the gorgeous yet wild beauty of the Welsh countryside, enveloping the narrative in an atmospherically brooding undertone. The rural landscape's scenic views and the hidden corners of the desolate woods become witness to the sins committed, providing an almost eerie ambiance and amplifying the series' intense tone.

The crime drama magnifies the insider-outsider conflict and how rural communities, despite their close-knit nature, harbor deep-seated secrets that are often horrifyingly cruel. The haunting mystery of the series is further intensified by the creators' daring choice to delve into the psyche of the antagonist. This exploration provides viewers with an unsettling glimpse into the life and mind of the criminal, making the narrative that more potent and thought-provoking.

Hidden (2018) thrives in its ability to transcend the traditional crime drama boundaries through its intimately real portrayal of characters and their individual struggles. The series does exceptionally well in balancing the dichotomy between the tense crime setting and quieter, emotionally resonant undertones. The characters' interactions, especially within the familial setting, although heartbreakingly poignant at times, do not cease to be.