On March 5, 2025, Netflix released the Polish mystery thriller series "Just One Look," adapted from Harlan Coben's 2004 novel of the same name. The show, comprising six 45-minute episodes, takes viewers on a suspenseful ride through the life of Greta Rembiewska, played by Maria Dbska, who finds her seemingly perfect life unraveling after discovering an old photo of her husband, Jacek (Cezary 1ukaszewicz). The image shows Jacek with unfamiliar people, one face crossed out, hinting at dark secrets buried within their past.
Initially, Greta's world is idyllic, featuring her loving husband and two children. But everything takes a drastic turn after Jacek disappears right after she raises concerns about the mysterious photo. Desperate for answers, Greta embarks on a perilous quest, only to find herself entangled in long-hidden secrets and dangerous connections from Jacek's past.
Significantly, Greta is not just the protagonist; she carries the weight of tragedy on her shoulders. Fifteen years prior to the events of the series, she was the sole survivor of a devastating fire at a music club, which left her with deep emotional and physical scars. The fire claimed the lives of many, and its aftermath casts shadows over her current search for truth.
Greta's investigation leads her to cross paths with various individuals, including Jimmy D. (played by Piotr Stramowski), the lead singer of the band performing the night of the fire. Jimmy holds key information about Jacek and the circumstances surrounding the fateful night. He reveals to Greta chilling details about their past, including the fact they once fought over songs and accusations of theft—a confrontation ending with Jacek's accidental death.
Meanwhile, the narrative builds suspense as Greta meets Szymon, who claims to be Jacek's twin brother. Throughout the series, it becomes apparent how closely knit their lives are, with shocking twists and turns. Szymon's mother discloses how he assumed Jacek's identity posthumously to gain financial assistance for her surgery, painting a complex web of deceit and desperation.
After confronting various suspects, including Sandra, who manipulates Szymon to stage events and hide truths, Greta's quest culminates when she learns the real story behind the picture—and herself. Sandra’s involvement reveals her sinister motives as she coerces Szymon to maintain the illusion of Jacek's life for financial gain.
Tragedy strikes again as Szymon, just as he's ready to reveal everything, collapses and dies during his reunion with Greta. This loss hits Greta hard, deepening her resolve to untangle the truth surrounding her husband's past. The stakes escalate with each passing episode, keeping viewers on edge.
Desperately knitting together the threads of her life, Greta confronts Sandra directly. Their confrontation reveals layers of betrayal and manipulation, leading to the police intervening just as Sandra is apprehended. Along the way, Greta’s determination to discover what truly happened culminates through gutsy encounters and the relentless pursuit of justice.
The series pivots on themes of trust, lies, and the burdens carried from the past. Coben's signature tension is evident throughout, with suspenseful pacing delivering both thrills and emotional depth as Greta fights to protect her children and, critically, to piece together the truth behind her husband's disappearance.
“Just One Look” culminates abruptly as fans are led to the final shocking reveals, right until the final moments. The discovery of the former prosecutor's daughter’s journal, which holds revelations about the photograph, shines light on previously hidden motives. The prosecutor believed Jacek orchestrated events leading to another murder, complicity intertwining through familial ties and desperate desires.
This gripping tale serves as yet another successful adaptation of Harlan Coben's work, satisfying fans with its blend of psychological drama and thriller elements. With its haunting narrative and dramatic twists, “Just One Look” not only captivates audiences with entertainment but also leaves them with poignant questions about identity, truth, and the lengths people go to protect the ones they love.
Currently available for streaming on Netflix, "Just One Look" combines captivating storytelling with powerful performances, marking it as yet another must-watch series for fans of the genre and Coben's literary legacy.