Published by Mason Oldridge, 24 April 2023
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Netflix’s steamy new thriller may be short in run time but is nonetheless gripping and tense.
Obsession sees William, an esteemed surgeon, begin an extramarital affair with his son Jay’s new girlfriend and later fiance Anna. We learn Anna is emotionally damaged from a childhood experience and enjoys the thrill of it all while William becomes somewhat infatuated with her as the only explanation as to why he would jeopardise his happy family life. The risk ends in tragedy as Jay, upon discovering the two having sex in the secret flat, stumbles and falls over the bannister to his death.
The dramatic plot is enthralling and thrilling constantly throughout, with how it all ends being unpredictable to the last minute.
Notable scenes aside from the main twist include the infamous pillow scene in Paris and the final meeting of the two in which William expresses no regret and that he wouldn’t change things, both serving the purpose of highlighting truly how obsessed and seemingly addicted he had become.
The leads both deserve praise for their performances as Richard Armitage delicately portrays remorseless shame in the final episode and Charlie Murphy is perfect as the seductive temptress.
While it could be argued that this remake of the 1991 novel was unnecessary given the 1992 film adaptation, this version no doubt is a 21st century retelling with a stronger sense of drama and suspense.
This miniseries is short enough to be watched in one sitting and is gripping enough for viewers to do just that.
8/10