Netflix's latest Harlan Coben adaptation, Missing You, has debuted to rave reviews, showcasing the thrilling blend of mystery and emotional depth typical of the author’s works. The eerie trailer, scored to a haunting cover of Everything but the Girl's 1994 pop hit "Missing" by the musical duo Dream A Lot, set the stage for the series. Composed of Gus Crawford Collins and singer/songwriter Kim Hayden, Dream A Lot shared their excitement about their involvement, having previously created trailer music for Coben's adaptation of Fool Me Once. "Working on the music for a Harlan Coben trailer is as thrilling as watching the show," they expressed. "We knew this was going to be an incredibly exciting adventure just from the mention of Coben’s name."
Adapted from Coben's 2014 novel of the same name, Missing You follows UK police officer Kat Donovan (played by Rosalind Eleazar) whose fiancé, Josh (Ashley Walters), mysteriously vanished eleven years ago. With her father's murder sparking renewed investigation, Kat unexpectedly finds Josh's profile on a dating app, igniting simmering mysteries. The show also stars Richard Armitage, Jessica Plummer, Steve Pemberton, Marc Warren, Samantha Spiro, and Mary Malone.
Notably, Malone portrays Aqua, one of Kat's closest friends, and quickly stands out for her compelling performance. The show offers refreshing representation for trans characters—a rarity often relegated to stereotypes or minor roles. Malone emphasized, "She is intertwined in the complex spider web of Missing You. She’s woven in. She’s not this trans side character. She’s an integral part of the narrative." This perspective exemplifies the shift toward more nuanced characters within the industry, aligning with messages from the LGBTQ+ community seeking well-rounded portrayals.
The friendship between Kat, Aqua, and Stacey showcases their dynamic, particularly as Aqua's own secrets complicate their relationships, especially concerning Josh. The series deftly plays with themes of trust and betrayal, accentuated by the truths Aqua keeps hidden from her friends. Director and producers carefully crafted Aqua's character to avoid the usual tropes seen with trans representation.
The mystery deepens as the plot thickens, with Aqua's character being central to the narrative's climax. Fearing for Josh’s wellbeing, Aqua's actions lead to significant revelations about family, guilt, and the gray areas of morality. Malone's performance preserves Aqua as no villain but rather as someone struggling with conflicting loyalties. “Aqua is not all good, and she’s not all bad,” Malone said about her character. “She’s a real human with so much going on, which is really a joy to play.”
This multi-layered approach to character development has garnered positive attention for Missing You, which, interestingly, has seen mixed reviews compared to Coben's earlier series, Fool Me Once. Fans praise Malone's portrayal of Aqua, driving the show's narrative through her emotional and complex performances. Reviews suggest the fourth episode shifts the series' pace, unleashing twists and deepening the suspense.
What exactly does Aqua know about Josh’s disappearance? How does her past with him complicate her friendship with Kat? These tensions lead up to electrifying confrontations as the season nears its climax, particularly as Kat begins piecing together the circumstances surrounding her father’s death. Kat's father, Clint Donovan, played by Lenny Henry, is revealed to have had his share of dark secrets, which entwine with family dynamics and relationships.
This thrilling series balances romantic entanglements and murderous intent, showcasing Kat's evolution from heartbroken fiancée to determined investigator. The storyline hones in on themes of missed opportunities and the shadows of the past, ending with revelations about the extent of the deception surrounding both her father and fiancé. The narrative weaves together the lives affected by betrayal, loss, and the quest for truth.
Missed connections lie at the heart of this tale. Just as Aqua plays pivotal roles throughout, she embodies the emotional core of the series. The moments captured at beloved Liverpool park spots, where Kat confides her fears and feelings, highlight the fluid transition between friendship and fear as the darkness of the past looms over their present.
Stepping beyond mere tropes, Missing You challenges genre standards, compelling character arcs beckoning viewers to invest emotionally. With its strong performances, especially from Malone, riveting plotlines, and atmospheric storytelling, the show offers both suspense and depth.
Now streaming on Netflix, Missing You has already begun garnering audience members' attention, reaffirming Netflix's knack for adapting Coben's thrilling narratives. Upcoming adaptations from the author's catalog include Caught, Run Away, and I Will Find You, with the latter being the first produced entirely within the U.S.