Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Cry, which premiered in September 2018 and has been captivating audiences on BBC One and various streaming platforms with its intense psychological thriller storyline about a missing baby.
Released on September 30, 2018, this miniseries features 4 episodes written by Jacquelin Perske and adapted from the 2013 novel of the same name by Helen FitzGerald, which was broadcast on the ABC in Australia and BBC One in the UK. The Cry explores the story of a young woman who crumbles after her baby disappears, though the public is quick to place blame, the truth proves to be more complex.
The series was directed by Glendyn Ivin and produced by Synchronicity Films, combining elements of psychological drama, mystery, and social commentary about public judgment and media scrutiny. With its focus on the devastating impact of a missing child on young parents, this drama provides viewers with an emotionally intense exploration of grief, guilt, and the search for truth.
A Tragic Journey to Australia
The series stars Jenna Coleman as Joanna Lyndsay, a schoolteacher whose four-month-old baby Noah disappears while she and her fiancé, Alistair (Ewen Leslie), are visiting family in Australia. Joanna and Alistair travel from Scotland to Australia with their baby son Noah, to see his mother and to fight for custody of his 14-year-old daughter.
The central plot revolves around the disappearance of baby Noah during what was supposed to be a family visit to resolve custody issues. The incident transforms from a private family tragedy into a public spectacle, with media attention and public opinion quickly turning against the young parents. The series examines how quickly assumptions are made and how the truth becomes obscured by public judgment and media sensationalism.
Joanna Lyndsay: A Mother’s Devastating Collapse
Nominated for an International Emmy® for Best Actress, Jenna Coleman (Victoria, Doctor Who) mesmerizes as young mother Joanna in this intense psychological thriller. Joanna’s character represents every parent’s worst nightmare as she navigates the loss of her child while simultaneously facing public scrutiny and blame.
Throughout the series, Joanna’s psychological state deteriorates as she deals with not only the disappearance of her baby but also the mounting pressure from police, media, and the public who seem determined to find someone to blame. Coleman’s performance showcases the raw emotion and mental anguish of a mother whose world has been completely shattered, exploring how grief can manifest in unexpected and sometimes controversial ways.
Alistair: Partnership Under Pressure
Ewen Leslie delivers a powerful performance as Alistair, Joanna’s partner who must support her while dealing with his own grief and the external pressures threatening to destroy their relationship. The series explores how tragedy can either bring couples together or tear them apart, as Alistair struggles to maintain his loyalty to Joanna while facing his own doubts and the weight of public suspicion.
The dynamic between Joanna and Alistair becomes central to the series’ emotional impact, showing how two people in love can become isolated from each other when dealing with unimaginable loss. Their relationship serves as a mirror for the larger themes of truth, trust, and the complexity of human emotion under extreme circumstances.
The Truth Behind the Disappearance
The series reaches its most powerful moments as the full circumstances surrounding Noah’s disappearance are gradually revealed, challenging viewers’ assumptions and preconceptions about the case. The investigation unfolds through multiple perspectives, showing how the same events can be interpreted differently depending on who is telling the story and what they choose to reveal or conceal.
The abduction of a baby from a small coastal town in Australia becomes the catalyst for a journey into the disintegrating psychology of a young woman as she and her husband deal with an unthinkable tragedy under both the white light of public scrutiny in their private lives. The series skillfully builds tension while exploring themes of guilt, responsibility, and the devastating impact of losing a child.
Supporting Characters: Australian Family Dynamics
The supporting cast, including Asher Keddie and Alex Dimitriades, provides crucial depth to the Australian family dynamics and the complex custody situation that brought Joanna and Alistair to the country. These characters represent different perspectives on family loyalty, responsibility, and the ways that past decisions can have devastating consequences for future generations.
Success on BBC One and Streaming Platforms
The Cry has found strong critical acclaim on BBC One and various streaming platforms, maintaining a 7.3 IMDb rating and receiving praise for its sensitive handling of difficult subject matter. The series is available on Netflix and AMC+, allowing international audiences to experience this emotionally powerful British-Australian co-production. The four-episode format works perfectly for this type of psychological drama, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ emotional journey without overwhelming them with unnecessarily extended storytelling.
A Heart-Wrenching Journey Worth Taking
If you love psychological thrillers with themes of family tragedy and media scrutiny, The Cry is the perfect miniseries to experience on BBC One, Netflix, or other streaming platforms. The combination of exceptional acting with thoughtful exploration of grief and public judgment creates a unique viewing experience that stays with viewers long after the final episode.
Why This Emotional Thriller Demands Your Attention
Positive Points:
- Exceptional performance by Jenna Coleman, earning an International Emmy® nomination
- Thoughtful exploration of how tragedy affects relationships and mental health
- Realistic portrayal of media scrutiny and public judgment in missing child cases
- Strong supporting cast bringing depth to family dynamics
- Perfect four-episode length that doesn’t overstay its welcome
Negative Points:
- Extremely heavy emotional content may be difficult for some viewers
- Subject matter involving missing children may be triggering for parents
- Slow-burn pacing might not appeal to viewers seeking fast-paced thrillers
- The Australian setting may feel disconnected for some international viewers
- Limited resolution may leave some viewers wanting more definitive answers
The series successfully combines exceptional acting with sensitive handling of tragic subject matter, creating a viewing experience that respects both the complexity of human emotion and the devastating impact of losing a child.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 4 episodes (completed)
- Platform: BBC One, Netflix, AMC+, Sundance Now, Acorn TV
- Release Year: 2018 (September 30, 2018)
- Current IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Genre: Psychological Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Production Type: British-Australian co-production
- Status: Completed miniseries
- Protagonists: Jenna Coleman (Joanna Lyndsay), Ewen Leslie (Alistair)
- Supporting Cast: Asher Keddie, Alex Dimitriades