This Paramount+ Show With 'GoT' Star Is One of the Most Devastating Dramas of the Year

Most crime thrillers end with the victim rescued and the villain captured. But what happens after the cameras stop rolling and the headlines fade?

The British miniseries Girl Taken abandons the conventional detective narrative, telling a far darker and more psychologically complex story.

This exploration of the endless aftermath of crime offers a painful, honest, and unadorned look at the life of a family for whom a rescue is only the beginning of a new terrifying nightmare.

What Is 'Girl Taken' About?

The plot revolves around 17-year-old Lily, who returns home after spending nearly five years in captivity at the hands of a serial killer. It seems the worst is over: Lily is free, and her kidnapper is in custody awaiting trial.

However, for her family, her mother and older sister, the real drama begins at this moment. Lily is deeply traumatized and feels like a stranger in her own home. She suffers from panic attacks, is unable to go outside, and remains emotionally stuck in that basement.

Exhausted by years of searching and uncertainty, her mother and sister don't know how to communicate with her – they are torn between overprotection, guilt, and burnout.

'Girl Taken' Isn't a Typical Crime Thriller – It Focuses on the Victim & Her Family's Life After the Tragedy

From the very first minutes, the viewer knows the perpetrator and the circumstances of the kidnapping. Rather than focusing on the question of "who is to blame?," the creators focus on the question of "how to live on?"

It is a meticulous and uncomfortable study of post-traumatic stress disorder in all its manifestations – the series doesn't shy away from showing how trauma not only cripples Lily, but also those around her.

A mother who lives in constant fear of making a mistake and a sister who felt invisible amidst the family tragedy for years – their pain and confusion are depicted with rare psychological precision.

Alfie Allen Brilliantly Plays a Cruel, Cold-Blooded Maniac

Alfie Allen's transformation deserves special attention. Known to millions for his role as Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones, he plays the complete opposite here – Lily's kidnapper is a calculating, manipulative, and frighteningly ordinary maniac.

His character lacks theatrical grotesqueries – he is a cold, self-absorbed narcissist who stages a performance of remorse in court and attempts to shift the blame onto the victim.

Allen masterfully conveys a chilling calmness and cruelty, making every appearance an emotional blow both for Lily and the audience.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Girl Taken'?

• Girl Taken has 80% from critics and 47% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 6.3/10.

Where to Watch 'Girl Taken'?

Girl Taken is available to stream on Paramount+.