The Cry (TV Mini-Series 2018– )

This series filmed between Glasgow and Australia was met with rather high expectations following on from ‘The bodyguard’ as British Sunday night viewing. So no pressure then…

From the first episode we join Joanna on her journey, a hellish journey at that, through every parents most dreaded nightmare: the disappearance of their child. This scenario is not apparent at first which gives viewers the opportunity to assess and get to know the characters. Joanna, it seems on the surface may be suffering from post natal depression. As many new mothers do, she struggles with the new routine which a new-born baby brings and is really sleep deprived. This opens a few possibilities – has extreme tiredness obscured her perception and triggered some actions or has she perhaps descended into psychosis?

Joanna’s husband Alistair is of no help whatsoever and it is hard to warm to his character. Is he simply a working husband with some traditional views of the mother as sole caregiver or something more sinister? The plot thickens and as we learn more about Joanna and how isolated she is becoming we may wonder if parts of her story are actual reality or fantasy. Presumably this is to add to the psychological mystery element.

Flashbacks are a predominant feature of ‘The Cry’ and if the viewer wants to attempt a theory of what is going on focus is key. The answer is often in the detail. Another important character is Alistair’s ex who is also the mother of his child. A possible suspect in the disappearance? The camera lingers on her gardening equipment for just long enough to suggest a possible involvement. Alistair’s mother seems to acknowledge a more manipulative side of her son’s character which also triggers a level of suspicion.

The principal plot of the series is the journey from the UK to Australia. Joanna alone with her child on this long haul trip feels stressed, desperate and at the end of her tether. We see her losing her temper and we feel for her as under the circumstances anyone would be challenged by the hostile attitudes of fellow passengers.

We witness Joanna in court although we are not sure what exactly she is on trial for until the latterly in the series. One thing is sure – there will be a twist in the plot somehow otherwise what a length to go to in terms of flashbacks only to present the ‘obvious’ story. So what is the obvious story? Something along the lines of the mother being so tired, confused or desperate that she wants to harm her child or does so accidentally and so the couple decide to cover it up and she gets found out.

An intriguing additional element is Joanna’s interview with the psychologist. Here we see other parts of her – just her talking with the professional. Is she of sound mind or not? She reveals not being entirely honest with the depression questionnaire as she wanted to be perceived as coping well with her baby.

The Cry is overall a psychological thriller and it does the job well. While giving us the suspense and drama we love, it highlights issues such as manipulation, secrecy and the vulnerability and capability of the characters. The performances are outstanding. No spoiler alert. Well worth a view.