Harlan Coben does it again with newest Netflix hit 'Run Away'
New Year's Day started off with a bang over at Netflix with the premiere of American mystery writer Harlan Coben's latest novel adaptation Run Away.
Developed by Danny Brocklehurst, the eight-episode series, which stars James Nesbitt (Lucky Break and Stay Close) as Simon Greene and Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting and Will & Grace) as Ingrid Greene, follows Simon on his hunt to find his missing daughter Paige (Ellie de Lange).
What ensues is a web of unexpected and deadly connections that all lead back to one unnerving detail.
Nesbitt leads brilliantly, bringing both grit and humour to the character of Simon, and forging a beautiful and believeable father-daughter relationship with de Lange (who also delivers a gripping performance).
Meanwhile, Driver, who undoubtedly has built a career playing a wide range of characters, will still leave longtime fans stunned at just what she endures and brings to the character of Ingrid.
The remaining cast, including Alfred Enoch (How to Get Away with Murder) as Detective Sergeant Isaac Fagbenle, Amy Gledhill (The Emily Atack Show) as Det. Ruby Todd, Adrian Greensmith (Harlan Coben's Shelter) as Sam Greene, Ellie Henry (Hollyoaks) as Anya Greene, Lucian Msamati (Conclave) as Cornelius Faber, Ingrid Oliver (UNIT: The New Series) as Yvonne Previdi, Maeve Courtier-Lilley (The Outpost) as DeeDee, Jon Pointing (Big Boys) as Ash, Annette Badland (EastEnders) as Lou, Ruth Jones (Stella) as Elena Ravenscroft, Mark Bazeley (Secrets) as Jay Stanfield, Chanel Waddock (London Kills) as Maria, Connor Porter (Trespasses) as Luther, Thomas Flynn (Red, White & Royal Blue) as Aaron Corval, and Geraldine James (Alice in Wonderland and Anne with an E) as Mother Adiona, also deliver spectacular performances.
Coben is no stranger to Netflix, having already had several of his novels (Stay Close, Safe, Fool Me One, Tell No One) adapted into mini series in both English for US and UK audiences as well as internationally in other languages. And if there's one thing fans of both the author's books and series have come to expect and love is his knack for weaving together multiple storylines and mysteries that, at first may not seem to have any connections, but that, in the end, always find a way to each other neatly tying all loose ends with a jaw-dropping ending.
Run Away is no exception.
While there is the central storyline of a father looking for his missing daughter that strings the series together, each episode still feels like its own piece, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the credits start to roll into the next episode.
And in true Coben style, just when you think you've figured something (or everything) out, there's another twist or turn waiting to be dropped in an upcoming scene.
The only noticeable absence is that of Richard Armitage, frequent collaborator of Coben's, whose handsome face and equally brilliant acting skills were (personally, haha) missed - as he is busy starring in ITV's Red Eye (2024). But there are more than enough thrilling storylines to keep his fans ( like me) focused on what's in front of them until the very last scene - even two (eps. 4 and 5) that were written by Coben's daughter, Charlotte.
And for all you true crime fans, be sure to catch Harlan Coben's Final Twist on CBS, Wednesday, Jan 7 at 10pm.
