Alfie Allen’s Creepy Paramount+ Psychological Thriller Is One Of 2026’s Best Shows – SlashFilm

Brutal, sudden deaths are embedded within the chaotic world of “Sport of Thrones.” Alfie Allen’s Theon Greyjoy may elicit sophisticated emotions, however he died a heroic loss of life that makes his redemption really feel earned. Allen’s “Sport of Thrones” stint could be his most excessive-profile efficiency (additionally his greatest, as he was nominated for an Emmy for Excellent Supporting Actor in 2019), however the actor has appeared in a number of common movies since then. You may keep in mind Allen as part of the ensemble solid in Shane Black’s “The Predator” and the petulant mobster Iosef within the first “John Wick” movie. Allen’s most up-to-date providing is “Woman Taken,” the Paramount+ collection that’s based mostly on Hollie Overton’s gripping novel, “Child Doll.” And it has every part you’ll be able to ask for from the psychological thriller style.

Because the title denotes, “Woman Taken” is a few disappearance. Tales of an identical vein have already explored this dreary material with various ranges of success. Essentially the most promising instance is the British anthology drama “The Lacking,” a standout thriller that makes its twisty premise completely plausible. “Woman Taken” takes cues from this style basic by avoiding a predictable procedural construction that leads us on a wild goose chase. As a substitute, the main focus shifts to the repercussions that this disappearance has on everybody. May this horrific occasion have been prevented? Can a teenage woman ever hope to get better from such a traumatic incident? “Woman Taken” is extra preoccupied with the emotional side of this heartbreaking equation, which works in favor of such a properly-written present.

In “Woman Taken,” Allen performs Rick Hansen, a chilling character who haunts the narrative from begin to end. Allen takes this chance to belt out a remarkably visceral efficiency with out indulging in dramatic extremes. What else are you able to count on from this present?

Spoilers for “Woman Taken” forward.

“Woman Taken” opens with the disappearance of 17-12 months-outdated Lily (Tallulah Evans), who does not return residence on her ultimate day of secondary college. Earlier than this tragedy happens, Lily’s twin sister Abby (Delphi Evans) shares her college acceptance letter along with her English instructor, Mr. Hansen (Allen), who encourages her to pursue her ambitions. The twins have a disagreement proper earlier than Lily is kidnapped, and Abby does not flag the disappearance till the subsequent day. As soon as the information breaks, suspicion looms over each particular person linked to Lily, together with her boyfriend Wes (Levi Brown).

The pilot episode, nevertheless, does not waste any time weaving convoluted mysteries or throwing narrative curveballs at us. We all know that Mr. Hansen is the perpetrator from the get-go and that he’ll go to any lengths to inflict hurt on a susceptible little one simply because he can. Now, Overton’s “Child Doll” is a wonderful guide to start with, however the Paramount+ present goes to nice lengths so as to add meatier layers to the characters that inhabit this world. Everybody round Lily, together with her mom and her twin sister, is granted acceptable complexity on this six-episode thriller.

Males like Hansen masquerade as protecting authority figures to prey on kids, which makes the “why” immaterial. It is crucial to deal with the morally reprehensible nature of the act itself and what have to be finished to guard kids like Lily. “Woman Taken” delves into these points within the latter half of its episodes by shining a light-weight on a clumsy justice system. There’s hope someplace amid the guilt and anguish, which makes all of the distinction ultimately.

“Woman Taken” is streaming on Paramount+.