Too Close

Too Close is a riveting psychological drama series that first aired on ITV in 2021. The series from UK-based ITV Network is captivating, intense, and psychologically driven. Its plot revolves around a thrilling battle of wits between two strong and complex female characters, provoking viewers to question where the line is drawn between a victim and an aggressor in a story of manipulation, power, and control.

Written by renowned actress-turned-author, Clara Salaman and based on her book “Too Close”, the series proves to be a masterstroke of suspenseful storytelling narrated in a thrilling sequence of events. It is directed by Sue Tully who is renowned for her work on popular British dramas, ensuring that the narrative unfolds with gripping tension and emotional depth.

The main narrative revolves around two compelling characters, Dr. Emma Robinson, a forensic psychiatrist, and her patient, Connie Mortensen. Dr. Robinson, portrayed by the talented and versatile actress Emily Watson, is assigned to work with Connie, who is accused of a heinous crime. Denise Gough plays Connie Mortensen, a wife and mother who appears to be completely normal and relatable one minute and disconnected from reality the next. Gough's performance is brilliant, narrating an effective portrayal of the torment and mental strife of Connie’s character.

A fascinating dichotomy exists between their roles, with Dr. Emma Robinson tasked with evaluating the mental state of Connie. As Connie's case progresses, the audience is introduced to her troubled past and the subsequent events that led to her current predicament. It's a gripping story of psychological warfare as Emma tries to uncover the truth behind Connie's actions, while constantly being manipulated with Connie's charm and wiles.

Yet, Emma is not all she appears to be. She's fighting off personal demons of her own, resisting the strain her role puts on her emotional well-being. As she delves further into Connie's mind, she begins to reveal more of her own struggles, adding another layer to this psychologically complex series. It's not just about a psychiatrist diagnosing a patient, but also a journey into the depths of her own psyche.

The series captures the essence of psychological exploration, toying with the notion of memory, truth, and perception. The show delves into the psychological depths of the individuals, gradually unfolding the strands of their intertwined lives and revealing dark secrets hidden inside their pasts. The line between sanity and insanity blurs and the enigma deepens as the series takes the viewers on a whirlwind trip through the dark alleys of the human psyche.

The script is raw and filled with authenticity, confronting real-life issues and exploring deep-seated human emotions. The dialogue is sharp and impactful, effectively capturing the shifts in power, control, manipulation, and vulnerability between the two main characters.

In terms of aesthetics, the series is shot with an underlying bleakness that echoes the grim realities faced by the characters. The gloomy atmosphere is elevated with an emotive score and thought-provoking cinematography that visually encapsulate the tense dynamics between the characters and their personal lives, and the equally chilling plotline.

Emotionally charged and powerfully told, Too Close is an intriguing exploration of sanity, suspicion and the systemic failings of the justice system. It's an intense psychological thriller, filled with twist-and-turns that keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end. In addition, it praises the performances of the principal actresses who flawlessly bring to life characters that are as complex as they are gripping.

Overall, Too Close offers a multi-layered exploration of human psychology. The series is a stark portrayal of mental health and enthralling illustration of foregone trajectories caused by previous traumas. It offers an intense exploration into the darker realms of the human psyche, expertly played out by a cast of stellar actors. It leaves the audience pondering over the fact that people might not be all that they seem on the surface and that the mind is indeed an enigmatic puzzle.