Dear Child is a German psychological thriller miniseries based on the novel of the same name by Romy Hausmann. It premiered on Netflix on September 7, 2023. The series stars Kim Riedle, Naila Schuberth, Sammy Schrein, Hans Löw, and Justus von Dohnányi. It is created by Isabel Kleefeld and Julian Pörksen.
“Dear Child” is a thriller that, while it does have its necessary melodramatic moments, offers all the intrigue, surprises, and mystery that make binge-watching so popular in the age of streaming. In great part, and in this case, due to its compelling approach.
Premise
The series follows the story of a young woman who escapes from captivity after 13 years. She is found at the scene of a car accident, along with her unconscious mother. The investigation into the woman’s disappearance leads to a dark and twisted truth.
Review of “Dear Child”
This thriller has all the elements of a good suspenseful story, with its twists and turns that keep us engaged, and wanting to decipher the mystery. Moreover, it offers something extra for those seeking more realistic narratives: a storytelling style that feels authentic, well-crafted, and maintains a steady pace throughout.
“Dear Child” is not a horror thriller in line with the gruesome “The Silence of the Lambs,” although it may give off that impression at times with its dank basements, kidnappings, and dark scenarios. It is more of a social thriller, where the investigators and emotions play a significant role. It is a very human in its take and that appeals to our feelings, yet it doesn’t let itself be consumed by them. This combination gives the series its own personality and a unique, interesting, and solid and balanced narrative.
What initially appears to be a straightforward case involving the social services and investigators trying to solve a terrible crime soon becomes a more complex plot. Nothing is as it seems, and the series delves into a web of identities, past and present, intertwined with memories to create a well-crafted police intrigue.
Furthermore, the series allows us to delve into the characters. It is not a Hollywood-style thriller that bombards us with one surprise after another without giving us a moment to breathe. It is more contemplative and provides us with a narrative space for reflection, knowing when to pause and allow the audience to keep up the tempo as the events unfold. Truth be told, it does occasionally have a soapy telefilm style, but always leaves wanting to know how the thriller comes full circle.
“Dear Child” is an unexpected surprise that has arrived quietly but is sure to find a place among fans of a good thriller.
Series Trailer
The Cast
Naila Schuberth
Hans Löw
Sammy Schrein
Nagmeh Alaei
