The Cry is a four-part drama series that has made a lasting impact on audiences in the UK and beyond. First airing on BBC One in September 2018, the psychological thriller captivated viewers with its complex portrayal of grief, trauma, and parental anguish. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Helen FitzGerald, the series takes audiences on a tense emotional journey, exploring the darkest corners of human psychology and relationships.
Starring Jenna Coleman in a riveting lead role, The Cry explores the aftermath of a child’s abduction and how this tragic event unravels the lives of the parents involved. The series is an intense exploration of parental responsibility, public scrutiny, and the hidden truths within seemingly perfect relationships.
Plot Overview: A Thriller Fueled by Grief and Suspense
The Cry revolves around Joanna (Jenna Coleman) and Alistair (Ewen Leslie), a couple whose lives are thrown into chaos when their infant son, Noah, goes missing during a trip to Australia. Joanna, a first-time mother struggling with postnatal depression, faces intense emotional and physical exhaustion as she navigates the pressures of parenthood. Alistair, on the other hand, is dealing with the complexities of custody battles with his ex-wife, who lives in Australia with their daughter.
The series begins with what appears to be a straightforward narrative of parental tragedy; a missing child, a frantic search, and the media frenzy that follows. But as the story unfolds, The Cry masterfully weaves together flashbacks and present-day events, keeping viewers guessing as to what truly happened to baby Noah. The drama shows deeper into the psychological effects of the disappearance on Joanna and Alistair, exposing cracks in their relationship and raising questions about guilt, trust, and responsibility.
This psychological resolve is one of the show’s strengths. While the surface plot centers on the mystery of Noah’s disappearance, the series is more interested in how the characters cope with trauma and how far people will go to protect their secrets. The suspense builds with each episode, leading to shocking revelations that challenge audience perceptions and force viewers to reconsider everything they thought they knew about the characters.
Jenna Coleman’s Standout Performance as Joanna
Jenna Coleman is best known for her roles in Doctor Who and Victoria, delivers a powerful and haunting performance as Joanna. Her portrayal of a mother struggling with mental health issues is raw and authentic, drawing viewers into her character’s overwhelming sense of despair and helplessness. Coleman skillfully captures the complexities of Joanna’s emotional state, from her initial exhaustion and frustration as a new mother to the crushing guilt and grief she experiences after Noah’s disappearance.
What makes Coleman’s performance particularly compelling is her ability to convey Joanna’s inner turmoil through subtle facial expressions and body language. The character’s silence often speaks louder than words, with Coleman using small, nuanced gestures to express Joanna’s emotional fragility. As the series progresses and Joanna becomes increasingly isolated and scrutinized by the public, Coleman masterfully portrays the devastating psychological impact of these events on her character.
Joanna’s descent into paranoia and self-doubt is both tragic and gripping to watch. Coleman ensures that the audience remains emotionally connected to Joanna, even as the character makes questionable decisions. Her performance is a key reason why The Cry resonated so deeply with viewers, and it earned her widespread praise from critics and audiences alike.
The Themes of Guilt, Motherhood, and Public Scrutiny
At its core, The Cry is an exploration of guilt and the pressures of motherhood. The series presents an unflinching look at the emotional toll that parenting, particularly for first-time mothers, can take. Joanna’s struggles with postnatal depression are depicted with stark honesty, offering a rare and insightful portrayal of a condition that is often misunderstood or overlooked.
The drama also tackles the theme of public scrutiny, highlighting the relentless judgment that parents — particularly mothers — face when tragedy strikes. Throughout the series, Joanna and Alistair are placed under intense media and public scrutiny, with their every action and statement dissected by the press and onlookers. This element of the show reflects the real-world tendency to blame parents, especially mothers, for any harm that comes to their children, and it raises important questions about societal expectations and the pressures placed on women in particular.
In addition to exploring the emotional impact of guilt and grief, The Cry looks into the complex dynamics of relationships under strain. The series reveals how trauma can either bring people closer together or tear them apart. For Joanna and Alistair, their relationship begins to unravel as secrets are revealed and their true natures come to light. The show’s exploration of trust, betrayal, and manipulation within intimate relationships adds another layer of psychological depth to the story.
A Tense and Atmospheric Production
The Cry is as much a visual experience as it is a psychological one. The show’s cinematography and direction work in tandem to create a tense, atmospheric environment that mirrors the internal turmoil of the characters. The use of flashbacks and non-linear storytelling keeps viewers on edge, forcing them to piece together the timeline of events and unravel the mystery alongside the characters.
The Australian landscape plays a significant role in the show’s aesthetic, with the vast, open spaces contrasting sharply with Joanna’s increasing sense of isolation and entrapment.
Director Glendyn Ivin deserves credit for his skillful handling of the material. He keeps the tension simmering throughout the series, allowing moments of quiet introspection to be just as impactful as the more dramatic scenes. The pacing is deliberate, with each episode building towards the shocking conclusion, which left many viewers reeling.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
The Cry received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The show’s gripping plot, combined with its strong performances, especially from Jenna Coleman, made it a standout drama in 2018. Reviewers praised the series for its thoughtful portrayal of mental health and motherhood, as well as its ability to keep viewers guessing until the very end.
The series also sparked important conversations about postnatal depression, the pressures of parenting, and the role of the media in public tragedies. Its depiction of Joanna’s struggles resonated with many viewers, particularly mothers who related to her feelings of isolation and exhaustion. The Cry successfully combined a compelling mystery with deep emotional themes, creating a drama that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
