Smother

Smother is a gripping psychological thriller set against the backdrop of the wild and rugged landscape of the west coast of Ireland. The series originally aired in Ireland on RTÉ One in 2021 and later on the streaming service, Peacock Premium, for international viewers.

The drama series revolves around the family struggles and secrets that get unearthed in a small town. The primary plot-line focuses on the life of Val Ahern, an endearing and resilient mother of three daughters, keen on holding her family together at all costs. The horrific death of her husband, Denis, sets the tone for the show, leaving viewers hooked right from the start. As she investigates Denis's mysterious and puzzling demise, Val unravels a complex web of lies, deceit, and betrayals that threatens to destroy her entire family.

Set in a close-knit community of Lahinch in County Clare, Ireland, the series efficiently uses its setting to provide a hauntingly beautiful backdrop that complements the overbearing theme of family turmoil and betrayal. The wild, rugged coastline of Ireland serves as a stark contrast to the dark, tangled journey of love, deceit, and suspicion that confronts the Ahern family.

Throughout the six-part thriller, viewers are led through numerous twists and turns as Val, portrayed intensely by Dervla Kirwan, fights to uncover the truth behind her husband's death, not afraid to dig into the most treacherous secrets of her close-knit family. Niamh Walsh portrays Jenny, the strong-willed daughter of Val, who relives her darker past when her stepfather dies. Gemma-Leah Devereux plays the part of Anna, the younger daughter trying to cope with her own secrets and escalating paranoia. While Seána Kerslake excellently portrays Grace, the eldest and most grounded of the three daughters.

An integral part of the narrative is the palpable tension between Val's daughters and the step-sisters, who are linked through Denis's multiple marriages. The drama unfolds layer by layer, revealing the complex relationships marked by power dynamics, love triangles, concealed pasts, and inner demons. The relationship complexities are intricately woven, offering viewers a gripping portrayal of a family on the brink of disintegration due to unspoken words and hidden truths.

One of the significant strengths of Smother is its ability to seamlessly blend the elements of drama and suspense. On one hand, it deals with the familial issues of loyalty, marriage, and parenting in a relatable way, while on the other hand, it effectively maintains the suspense of a murder mystery. The characters are meticulously developed, with their flaws and vulnerabilities, making the viewers empathize with their struggles, constantly driving them to put together the pieces of the complicated narrative.

The series is masterfully written by Kate O'Riordan, who purposefully adopts a slow-burning narrative strategy. By way of this, the series excellently builds an ominous, nerve-wracking atmosphere. The characters' own misgivings, both in their family and individual selves, contribute to the constant feeling of impending cataclysm, which keeps viewers thoroughly engaged throughout.

Smother is a truly immersive show that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The blend of distinctive characters, each with their hidden agenda and past, and the intricate narrative that uncovers a web of lies, make it a must-watch for those who enjoy intense psychological thrillers. In addition to that, the show is also worth watching for its exploration of family dynamics and mother-daughter relationships in the face of tragedy.

Overall, the series manages to maintain a gripping tension from its mysterious beginning to the climactic end. The true strength of Smother lies in the balance it strikes between being a heart-rending family drama and an intriguing murder mystery, offering viewers a journey into the depth of human relationships and the extent they can go to protect their loved ones.