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‘Twisted’ Netflix thriller series that is reminding people of harrowing real life kidnapping

‘Twisted’ Netflix thriller series that is reminding people of harrowing real life kidnapping

The six-part series gripped critics and viewers alike upon its release in September 2023

Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.

A 'very dark' thriller that's just been released on Netflix has captured viewer's attention with its 'twisted' story.

When new releases aren't doing it for you (or you've already binged them all), it can be overwhelming to try and dig out a show that you may have missed.

And viewers are raving about this TV series that was first released on Netflix in September last year.

You can watch the trailer here:

It has a perfect and rather rare 100 percent approval rating by critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

The six-episode German series, based on a novel of the same name, is none other than Dear Child, starring Kim Riedle and Naila Schuberth.

The gripping drama, laden with twists and turns, follows the story of a missing person's case that has remained unsolved for 13 years.

The action beings almost instantly, when unnamed, hurt woman is found in a forest with an unhurt child.

Naturally, healthcare professionals pile on the questions in an attempt to figure out their story.

And when the little girl begins to open up, the mysteries begin to unravel.

Dear Child was released last year. (Netflix)
Dear Child was released last year. (Netflix)

Co-writer and co-director of Dear Child, Julian Pörksen, told Netflix: "These are all damaged characters: people who are severely scarred by a crime and deal with it very differently.

"The perpetrator is often the focus of such series and is glorified as a mysterious, dark force.

"That's not the case with us. And there is a main character who is extraordinary in every way. A girl who has a special view of the world, a special way of speaking, thinking and experiencing.”

A post in Netflix Bangers has sparked a renewed interest in the show, which despite rave reviews at the time of release, managed to fly under some people's radars.

Some viewers that have watched the show rushed to share their thoughts on social media - with one person saying that it reminded them of the harrowing case of Jaycee Dugard, an 11-year-old girl who was abducted and held for 18 years.

Dear Child received rave reviews upon its release. (Netflix)
Dear Child received rave reviews upon its release. (Netflix)

Eventually, she was found and released in 2009 after her captor, previously convicted rapist Phillip Craig Garrido, was arrested following suspicions from his parole officer.

Jaycee's story has been immortalised in two books of her own, called A Stolen Life: A Memoir - published in 2009, and Freedom: A Book of Firsts - released in 2011.

With regards to Dear Child, someone else wrote: "Very dark, brilliantly acted and suitably gripping."

Another added: "Dear Child in Netflix - simply superb series! Must watch - go and watch without any hesitation!"

A third chimed: "Incredible series! It's a little gem! Everyone should see it."

Get that one added to your to-watch list, ASAP.

And a fourth said: "It was kinda twisted, but good."

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.

Featured Image Credit: Netflix

Topics: Netflix, TV And Film