Infidelity, secrets, and a deadly game: ‘obsession’ delivers a gripping netflix thriller
The late 2010s were saturated with psychologically complex thrillers – think ‘Doctor Foster’ and ‘The Split’ – that layered steamy subplots beneath a veneer of domestic dread. Now, ‘Obsession’ arrives on Netflix, delivering a similar, significantly darker, proposition, and it’s utterly captivating.
A surgeon’s descent into obsessive desire
Richard Armitage and Indira Varma star as William and Ingrid Farrow, a seemingly idyllic couple whose world unravels when William’s infidelity with his son’s fiancée, Anna (Charlie Murphy), becomes a consuming obsession. This isn’t a simple affair; it’s a corrosive force that systematically dismantles their marriage, their careers, and ultimately, their lives. The series thrives on the unsettling tension of unspoken suspicions and meticulously constructed lies – a relentless pressure cooker of guilt and betrayal.
Based on Josephine Hart’s 1991 novel, ‘Damage,’ and its 1992 film adaptation featuring Miranda Richardson, the premise feels remarkably contemporary, tapping into our anxieties about the fragility of trust and the devastating consequences of unchecked desire. The production design is deliberately austere, employing evocative lighting to amplify the pervasive sense of dread, shifting seamlessly between the cold, controlled environment of William’s surgical practice and the increasingly claustrophobic confines of their marital home. It's a mood as much as a narrative, expertly crafted for maximum impact.
Critics immediately lauded the show’s addictive quality. The Times described it as “addictive,” while Rolling Stone praised the production's sophisticated visual language. Viewers, too, have been drawn to the series’ dark allure, with one commenter on IMDb describing it as “sneaky and steamy,” while another noted the show’s “chilling, thriller feel, with great music and great acting, a lot of sex, taboo sex.”
Key performances and cast
Armitage, known for his roles in Harlan Coben dramas, delivers a particularly nuanced performance as the conflicted William, showcasing a vulnerability that initially disarms before revealing a chilling capacity for manipulation. Varma, as Ingrid, embodies simmering suspicion with a quiet, unwavering intensity. Murphy, as Anna, is equally compelling, portraying a woman caught in a web of deceit and desperate for control. Supporting players, Rish Shah as Jay Farrow and the wider Farrow family, add further layers to this intricate drama.
‘Obsession’ is available now exclusively on Netflix. And if you’re seeking a series that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable realities of human connection – and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets – this is undoubtedly worth your time.