In a gripping new series, The Stolen Girl has captivated audiences with its blend of mystery and psychological drama. Premiering on April 16, 2025, on Freeform and available the next day on Disney+ and Hulu, the show stars Denise Gough, Holliday Grainger, and Ambika Mod, and is adapted from Alex Dahl’s novel Playdate. Directed by Eva Husson, the series delves into the harrowing story of a missing girl, two families entangled in dark secrets, and a web of infidelity, murder, and deception.
The narrative kicks off in suburban Manchester, where Elisa Blix’s life takes a nightmarish turn when her daughter, Lucia, is abducted after a seemingly harmless sleepover at a friend’s house. The charming Rebecca Walsh, the mother of Lucia's friend Josie, initially puts Elisa at ease, but the tranquility is shattered when Elisa discovers that Rebecca's family is not what they seem. This shocking twist sets the stage for a thrilling investigation that spirals into a labyrinth of lies and betrayals.
Filming for The Stolen Girl took place across various striking locations, including Cheadle Hulme, Marsden, Shrewsbury Prison, and even the Mediterranean coast of Toulon, France. The Blix family home, where the abduction occurs, is located in Cheadle Hulme, a leafy village in Greater Manchester. This area serves as the backdrop for crucial scenes, including Elisa’s first meeting with Rebecca at school.
Rebecca's opulent home is set in Fulwood Park, Liverpool, a contemporary family residence that adds a layer of sophistication to the story. The production team chose this location for its aesthetic appeal and to maintain a consistent suburban atmosphere throughout the series. The filming in Marsden, West Yorkshire, reflects Elisa's past in a commune, adding depth to her character and the narrative.
Shrewsbury Prison, now a tourist attraction since its closure in 2013, provides a haunting setting for tense scenes involving Elisa’s ex-lover, who is serving time for a fatal car accident. The prison's unaltered atmosphere enhances the show's dark tone, making it an ideal choice for filmmakers seeking authenticity.
As the investigation unfolds, Elisa teams up with investigative reporter Selma Desai, played by Ambika Mod, who works for the publication Dash Voice. The offices of Dash Voice were filmed at Sunlight House in Manchester, a Grade II-listed Art Deco building that complements the high-stakes journalism depicted in the series.
The plot thickens as Elisa and Selma uncover connections between the kidnapping and Elisa's traumatic past, including a hit-and-run incident involving her ex-lover Marcus, who confessed to protect her. This revelation ties into a secret religious commune, complicating Elisa's search for her daughter and forcing her to confront her past mistakes.
In a dramatic twist, the investigation reveals that Rebecca, or Nina, as she is later identified, seeks revenge against Elisa for the hit-and-run that destroyed her life. As the stakes rise, the story culminates in a thrilling finale set in southern France. The final showdown takes place near Toulon and at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, where Elisa’s desperate attempts to rescue Lucia unfold amidst stunning Mediterranean scenery.
The Domaine d'Orvès, a historic manor house built in 1691, serves as Rebecca's country house in the show. The juxtaposition of the beautiful setting against the dark emotions and conflicts of the characters adds to the drama of the series. In the end, while Lucia is rescued, Nina escapes, leaving viewers on edge about the fate of several characters.
The Stolen Girl not only highlights the lengths a mother will go to save her child but also explores themes of guilt, revenge, and the impact of past decisions. The series has been well-received for its engaging storytelling and the depth of its characters, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
This thrilling series is now available for streaming on Hulu, inviting viewers to join Elisa on her harrowing journey to uncover the truth and reclaim her daughter.
