The Four-Part Netflix Thriller You Won’t Be Able to Look Away From
In the vast sea of Netflix content, certain shows slip through the cracks—sometimes with good reason, and sometimes because they’re simply too outrageous for mainstream recognition. Obsession, a British erotic thriller limited to just four compact episodes, stands out as the kind of series that becomes a late-night legend for all the wrong, but oddly irresistible, reasons.
A Risky Adaptation with Insatiable Curiosity
This adaptation brings Josephine Hart’s acclaimed 1991 novel ‘Damage’ roaring into the streaming era. While the earlier film adaptation by Louis Malle—an Oscar-nominated classic with Jeremy Irons—pushed the boundaries of psychological drama, Netflix’s take leans unapologetically into modern melodrama and explicit intrigue. The result is a series that may not have critics swooning, but delivers a tornado of intensity that some viewers find devilishly entertaining.
Obsession stars Richard Armitage (The Hobbit franchise) as William Farrow, a respected London surgeon whose life unravels following his turbulent affair with Anna Barton (Charlie Murphy, recognized for her role in Peaky Blinders), his own son’s fiancée. As Anna moves forward with marriage plans, William’s descent into recklessness and emotional chaos makes for a viewing experience that is equal parts compelling and jaw-droppingly unhinged.
What Makes ‘Obsession’ a Guilty-Pleasure Binge?
Plenty of shows get labeled as guilty pleasures, but Obsession actively courts the crowd that revels in pure, over-the-top drama—think of the all-consuming appeal of the Fifty Shades of Grey films, but condensed into a 155-minute thrill ride. Where it diverges, however, is the sheer audacity of its flawed execution: the notorious lack of sexual chemistry, awkward writing, and an inability to channel the source material’s complexity have all turned criticism into a badge of honor.
Despite a dismal Rotten Tomatoes score, the show has earned a place among those rare titles that are ‘so bad, they’re actually good.’ Nods from Common Sense Media describe it as ‘positively anti-climactic,’ while other reviewers find themselves almost hypnotized by the filmmaking commitment to style and mood—even when the substance fumbles.
Details That Add to the Madness
- Quick to Watch, Hard to Forget: With just four episodes totaling under three hours, Obsession is a breeze to finish—making it perfect for viewers seeking high-voltage drama without the drag of a 10-episode commitment.
- Acclaimed Cast: Richard Armitage and Charlie Murphy bring undeniable screen presence. Supporting players like Indira Varma (of Game of Thrones fame) elevate the cast list, even when the plot spirals out of control.
- Visual Flair: Even critics admit the series is more cinematic and stylish than many of Netflix’s typical thrillers.
Should You Add It to Your Watchlist?
‘Obsession’ straddles that fine line between drama and unintentional comedy, delivering a heady mix for those willing to lean into the absurdity. If your streaming habits include hunting for wild storylines, campy dialogue, or titles destined to spark incredulous group chats, this is one not to miss.
Curious? Just hit play—the wildness of Obsession on Netflix might be the perfectly imperfect binge you didn’t know you wanted.
