Entertainment Blog #160 | Dear Child [2023] - Caged Children..

For most people, their whole life is decided by their childhood. For example, if someone is fat, that person will most likely to die as a fat man. I mean, it's sad but it's the truth. So the environment children grow directly affects them. If something is normalized for a child, wherever he/she is, it's normal for him. This conflict is nicely portrayed in this series.

"Dear Child" is a Netflix Original German miniseries based on the international bestselling novel "Liebes Kind" by Romy Hausmann. It's a six-part series with pure psychological gruesome. It's not bloody horror but there's a hidden horror. Let's get into it.

The series starts in a very strange way. There's a house. It's more like a windowless apartment, where these two young children, Hannah & Jonathan and Lena, the so-called mother of them live. When the father comes, everybody gets into lines and shows their nails to him. It's like a rule. The father comes like once or twice a day, gives food to them, and leaves the house locked.

Since the children are doing this routine since the day they are born, it's normal for them. They think that that's the life. But it's not as same as for Lena. Seems like she was kidnapped by this so-called daddy character. And Lena is fed up with this life and she wants to escape. She gets the chance and goes out and runs through the woods until someone meets her. That's when she gets into an accident.

Seems like Hannah has followed her but not Jonathan. At the hospital, we get to know that she's not really Lena. She is Jasmine Grass. Lena was kidnapped like 13 years ago when she was like 12 years old and never found. And Hannah is so alike Lena in childhood. With these new leads, this old cold case of Lena Beck comes to the surface.

Since Jonathan is still in that windowless house and god knows where it is, the investigation is also conducted to seek the house and probably the kidnapper too. These investigations lead to new territories as the story progresses. Will the police find the real Lena Beck and the kidnapper? it's up to you to find out.

The series unfolds over six episodes, entangling elements of psychological thriller and crime drama. As the authorities investigate Lena's case, a complex and dark history emerges, exposing the trauma and secrets hidden within her family. "Dear Child" explores themes of captivity, family dynamics, and the lasting effects of trauma. It keeps viewers on edge as they untangle the layers of the mystery, shifting between past and present perspectives to reveal the full extent of the horrors Lena and her children weathered.

Viewers of "Dear Child" are in for a suspenseful and thought-provoking experience. The series offers a unique narrative structure, with multiple character perspectives and timelines that create a sense of conspiracy and uncertainty. The portrayal of the psychological and emotional weight of captivity on Lena and her children is both brutal and compelling. The characters' struggles and the difficulties of their relationships are central to the series, making it more than just a typical crime thriller.

"Dear Child" is a compelling and suspenseful miniseries that digs into the dark and haunting aftermath of captivity. It entangles a complex narrative, exploring themes of trauma, family bonds, and psychological resilience. While the story may have moments that some viewers find slow, its unique approach to storytelling and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch for fans of psychological thrillers and crime dramas. This shift in perspective adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making it stand out in the genre.