Safe

Safe is a gripping British television drama series released in 2018, exclusively available for streaming on Netflix. The series is a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, thrills and family drama, designed to keep the viewer engaged right from the first moment to the last. The show is dreamed into existence by renowned American crime writer Harlan Coben, with the combined efforts of Danny Brocklehurst, who is also the main scriptwriter of the series. The narrative is presented in a limited series format, consisting of eight tightly-knit episodes featuring intricate storytelling that gradually builds an immersive and tense atmosphere layered with secrets and surprises.

The drama unfolds within a well-heeled, secure, gated community in England, which on the surface appears to be an idyllic realm, striking a sharp contrast against the secrets it camouflages under its polished exterior. The central plot is propelled by Michael C. Hall, known for his iconic role in "Dexter," playing the role of Tom, a widowed pediatric surgeon whose life takes a chaotic turn when his rebellious teenage daughter Jenny suddenly goes missing. As Tom initiates an obsessive search to find his missing daughter, the tranquil facade of the town diverges, revealing deep-rooted secrets and simmering tensions among the residents whom he thought he knew.

Amanda Abbington, famous for her work in "Sherlock," beautifully encapsulates the character of Sophie, a detective, and a close friend of Tom who embarks on her own professional investigation into Jenny's disappearance. In the process, she is forced to confront hidden truths about her own personal life contributing to the show's tension-filled progression. Each character comes with their own twisted backstory painted in varying shades of grey, hinting at their potential involvement in the central crime mystery, keeping the viewers on edge while they play the guessing game.

The high-caliber performance of the extended ensemble cast including Audrey Fleurot, Hannah Arterton, and Marc Warren further amplifies the drama’s allure. The dynamic between these characters offers a complex yet enticing interplay between past mistakes, buried truths, and suspicious activities which adds depth to the overall narrative. Each character’s past and present actions subtly align together to create a series of events that are integral to the unraveling of the labyrinth of secrets the show harbors.

Amid the cascading suspense, the show also places a high focus on themes of family, trust, and loyalty as Tom navigates through layered lies and deception not only to find his daughter but also to discover who in his close-knit community he can trust. As the series gradually unravels its tightly coiled secrets, it poignantly captures the emotions of the drama's characters. This, in turn, elicits a genuine empathetic response from the audience, providing a deeper insight into the characters' psychologies.

Michael C. Hall himself delivers a dynamic performance. Though his previous roles are completely different from the character of Tom, Hall emanates a commendable flair while portraying a distraught father. And his unusual yet convincing English accent surprisingly doesn't take away from his performance but adds an interesting layer to his character. The series also astutely utilizes Hall's most striking skill set, his ability to portray obsessive and complex characters. Although Hall's character Tom is not a serial killer like Dexter, his obsessive tenacity in finding his daughter allows Hall to bring a similar energy that he carried in "Dexter."

Safe sets itself apart within the genre with its fast pacing, intricate plotting, and compelling storytelling. The twists and turns in the plot, although shrouded with suspense, are logical and coherent - they don't come across as shock value stunts but are carefully seeded clues that eventually pay off. As the intricate plot unfolds, "Safe" becomes not just about the mystery of a missing girl, but about the complexity of human relationships and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones.

While the series has a high emphasis on the suspense and mystery revolving around the missing teenager, it is equally successful in portraying the inner dynamics of small communities, intimate relationships, and family ties. With its dramatic revelations and audacious surprises, Safe is an exciting roller-coaster ride of emotions that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, proving a reputation as a must-watch for fans of the mystery and thriller genre.