Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Innocents, which premiered on Netflix in 2018 and brings us a unique blend of supernatural abilities, teen romance, and dark family secrets that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Innocents premiered on August 24, 2018, on Netflix with 8 episodes averaging 50 minutes each. This British supernatural series created by Hania Elkington and Simon Duric follows teenagers Harry and June who run away from their repressive families to be together, only to discover June’s extraordinary ability to shape-shift.
The series is deliberately slow in unveiling its supernatural elements, focusing primarily on the young adult romance at its core. What starts as a typical runaway love story quickly transforms into something much more complex and dangerous, blending coming-of-age drama with mysterious supernatural forces that threaten to tear the young couple apart.
The show manages to balance intimate character moments with larger supernatural mythology, creating a series that appeals to both teen drama fans and those looking for something with a darker, more mysterious edge. Guy Pearce serves as the biggest name in the cast, bringing gravitas to this supernatural tale about identity, power, and the lengths we’ll go to for love.
Young Love Meets Dangerous Powers
June McDaniel is a teenager with supernatural shapeshifting abilities known as a “shifter,” though she doesn’t fully understand or control her powers when the series begins. Her journey throughout The Innocents is one of self-discovery, fear, and ultimately acceptance of who she truly is. June’s character arc explores the terror of discovering you’re fundamentally different from everyone around you, especially when that difference makes you a target.
Her relationship with her overprotective stepfather creates additional tension, as his attempts to shield her from the world inadvertently push her toward the very dangers he’s trying to prevent. June’s evolution from confused teenager to someone beginning to understand her true nature forms the emotional backbone of the series.
Harry’s Unwavering Devotion
Percelle Ascott plays Harry Polk, June’s boyfriend who runs away with her, and his character represents the human element in this supernatural story. Harry’s love for June is tested in ways most teenage relationships never face, as he must come to terms with her abilities and the dangerous world they’ve stumbled into.
The chemistry between June and Harry drives much of the series’ emotional weight. Harry’s character arc involves learning when to protect June and when to let her find her own strength, creating a dynamic that feels authentic despite the supernatural circumstances surrounding them.
Dr. Halvorson’s Mysterious Agenda
Guy Pearce plays the enigmatic Dr. Halvorson, a scientist whose interest in June and others like her becomes increasingly sinister as the series progresses. His character serves as both mentor figure and potential threat, creating a complex dynamic that keeps viewers guessing about his true intentions.
The revelation of Dr. Halvorson’s past and his connection to the shapeshifting community provides some of the series’ most compelling moments. His research facility becomes a central location where the larger mythology of The Innocents unfolds, revealing the scope of the supernatural world June has become part of.
When Families Become the Enemy
The supporting characters in The Innocents are crucial to understanding why June and Harry felt compelled to run away in the first place. Sam Hazeldine plays John McDaniel, June’s stern, overprotective stepfather, while Nadine Marshall portrays Christine Polk, Harry’s mother and a police officer.
These parental figures, meant to provide safety and guidance, instead become obstacles that the young couple must overcome. The series explores how well-meaning adults can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially when they’re operating without full knowledge of the supernatural forces at play.
Success on Netflix
The Innocents received mixed but generally positive reception from viewers and found its audience among those looking for supernatural teen content with more depth than typical offerings. The series’ 8-episode format allowed for a complete story arc without overstaying its welcome, though many fans hoped for a second season that unfortunately never materialized. Netflix’s investment in British supernatural content paid off with a series that stood out for its mature handling of teenage relationships and supernatural themes, making The Innocents a memorable addition to their original programming catalog.
A Supernatural Romance Worth Your Time
If you love supernatural teen dramas with emotional depth, The Innocents is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show successfully combines the intensity of first love with the mystery of supernatural abilities, creating something that feels fresh in a crowded genre.
Why You Should Watch This Hidden Gem
The Innocents deserves recognition as one of Netflix’s most underrated supernatural series, offering a mature take on teen romance that doesn’t shy away from the darker implications of having extraordinary abilities in an ordinary world.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 8 episodes (completed series)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2018
Current IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Genre: Supernatural Drama, Teen Romance, Mystery
Production Type: British Series
Status: Completed (cancelled after one season)
Protagonists: Sorcha Groundsell (June McDaniel), Percelle Ascott (Harry Polk)
Main Antagonist: Guy Pearce (Dr. Halvorson)