Television viewers are being gripped by a chilling new drama that is being hailed as a masterclass in suspense. Girl Taken, a six-part series now streaming on Paramount Plus, is sending shivers down the spines of audiences with its tense story of a twin's abduction and a shocking return.
A Harrowing Story of Loss and Return
The series, based on Hollie Overton's novel Baby Doll, centres on the Riser family. Their world is shattered when 17-year-old schoolgirl Lily Riser, played by Tallulah Evans, is kidnapped. Her identical twin Abby, portrayed by Tallulah's real-life sister Delphi Evans, is left devastated alongside their mother, played by Jill Halfpenny. The small community is consumed by the search, but years pass with no answers.
The plot takes a dramatic turn five years later when Lily miraculously escapes her captor and returns home, profoundly changed by her horrific ordeal. The revelation of her abductor's identity rocks the town to its core: it is Rick Hansen, a local teacher portrayed by Alfie Allen.
Alfie Allen, best known for Game of Thrones, delivers what critics call a 'low-key' yet utterly unsettling performance as the community pillar with a dark secret. Despite his identity being uncovered, the character remains at large, adding to the ongoing tension.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reaction
The show has garnered significant praise, holding an impressive 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have singled out Allen's performance, and the series has been met with a wave of positive reviews from the public, with all episodes available to binge.
Fans on social media and review sites have expressed how deeply the drama affected them. One viewer, @Aoiremacaonra, described it as 'terrifying', stating: 'Alfie Allen makes my blood crawl and the actress playing the girl taken is excellent too.' They added that episodes two and three were 'very dark but also very engrossing'.
Another reviewer, @BrianE-43, praised the show's psychological depth: 'If you like psychological thrillers with emotional weight and compelling acting rather than high-octane plot gimmicks, Girl Taken is worth watching. It’s unsettling and thoughtful.' They also highlighted the 'strong performances' from the Evans sisters, calling it 'nice to see some new, young British talent emerging'.
What Other Thrillers Can You Stream?
If Girl Taken has you hooked on the genre, several other gripping thrillers are available to stream:
- All Her Fault: A couple's life unravels after their young son Milo is abducted.
- His & Hers: Jon Bernthal and Tessa Thompson play estranged spouses each trying to solve a murder where the other is the prime suspect.
- Red Eye: A British detective investigates a murder at Heathrow that leads to diplomatic tensions.
- The Night Manager: Tom Hiddleston returns as Jonathan Pine in the acclaimed BBC spy thriller.
While some naysayers have questioned elements of the plot's plausibility, the overwhelming response from fans on platforms like IMDb has been one of high praise for the show's intense and reflective storytelling.
Girl Taken is available to stream in full on Paramount Plus.
