In this gripping new series, Emma Thompson reinvents herself as a razor-sharp private investigator pulled into a girl’s disappearance that unravels into a web of power, lies, and betrayal. With Ruth Wilson delivering another powerhouse turn, and Mick Herron (Slow Horses) behind the story, this 8-part thriller is already being hailed as “must-watch television of the year.”
The story begins with the disappearance of a young girl, a case that at first seems tragically familiar but soon spirals into something far more sinister. Thompson steps into the role of a private investigator whose brilliance is matched only by her haunted past. The setting of Oxford — with its storied halls, shadowy corners, and intellectual prestige — becomes more than just a backdrop; it is a character in itself, hiding secrets within its ancient walls.
As the investigation unfolds, what should have been a straightforward missing-person case fractures into a labyrinth of lies, power struggles, and betrayal. Ruth Wilson, known for her razor-sharp performances, plays a key ally — though in true thriller fashion, viewers are never entirely sure if her character can be trusted. The chemistry between Wilson and Thompson is set to anchor the narrative, offering moments of both tense confrontation and unexpected solidarity.
What makes this series stand apart is its atmosphere. Early reports suggest a slow-burn structure, with each episode peeling back another layer of corruption and deceit. The mystery is not only about uncovering who took the girl, but about exposing the rot within institutions that thrive on silence and influence. Thompson’s character finds herself not just battling criminals, but challenging systems designed to protect them.
Performance is everything in a show like this, and Thompson’s gravitas promises to deliver. She has built a career on intelligence and emotional truth, and here she channels that into a character both vulnerable and unyielding. Wilson, meanwhile, has always thrived in morally complex roles (The Affair, Luther), and her presence ensures that even the most ordinary scenes crackle with unease. Together, they form the kind of duo audiences rarely see — two women, equally commanding, equally flawed, equally capable of carrying a story into unforgettable territory.
But beyond the performances, the series speaks to something larger: the danger of secrets buried in plain sight. It is about the cost of truth, the lengths people will go to protect their reputations, and the devastating ripple effects when institutions fail those most in need of protection. In that sense, the series is as much social commentary as it is a mystery.
The visuals will undoubtedly amplify the unease. Oxford, with its gothic spires and fog-draped streets, becomes a haunting stage where beauty and menace intertwine. Expect moody cinematography, long silences that speak louder than dialogue, and a soundscape that builds dread with every note. It is not the kind of thriller that relies on jump scares — it is one that lingers, one that burrows into the mind and keeps audiences awake long after the credits roll.
In many ways, this new project feels like a reinvention of the classic British mystery, infused with psychological tension and anchored by powerhouse performances. Thompson’s detective is not a hero in the traditional sense; she is flawed, worn down by life, and yet unwilling to let go of the pursuit of justice. That complexity is what makes her so compelling.
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: this series has the potential to leave a lasting mark on the genre. It is not just a story about a missing girl — it is about power, morality, and the human cost of silence. With Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson at the helm, audiences are in for a ride that is as harrowing as it is unforgettable.