Netflix's new political thriller "Hostage" stars Suranne Jones as British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, navigating a catastrophic medicine shortage while preparing for a crucial summit with French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy). Created by Matt Charman, the Oscar-nominated writer of Bridge of Spies, the five-episode series tackles contemporary issues including the migrant crisis and European political shifts.
The plot centres on PM Dalton's husband Alex (Ashley Thomas), a doctor working for Médecins Sans Frontières in French Guiana, who becomes kidnapped during tense Brexit-style negotiations. French President Toussaint, facing her own re-election pressures, uses the crisis to demand French border control officers on British soil, creating a political chess game with deadly personal stakes.
Critical Reception
Jones delivers what critics are calling some of her finest work, balancing the Prime Minister's public stoicism with her vulnerable family persona. The series showcases her range beyond previous acclaimed roles in Doctor Foster, Gentleman Jack, and her underrated performance as bunny boiler Karen McDonald in Coronation Street, particularly when Dalton must choose between saving her husband or her country.
The drama escalates from political negotiations into a "heart-thumping thrill ride" featuring backstabbing, social unrest, and murder plots. While some plot points venture into far-fetched territory, the strong acting, pacing, and writing make even the most unlikely scenarios convincing.
Behind the Scenes
Jones served as executive producer alongside her starring role, working with Charman after sharing the same agent for a decade. She conducted extensive research for the role, including visits to the House of Commons and confidential interviews with former Prime Ministers.
The creators deliberately chose to feature two female world leaders as both a creative and political statement, reflecting contemporary conversations about women in power. Charman and Jones aimed to create authentic political drama grounded in current global tensions.
Streaming Impact
Critics argue the series represents everything great about "watercooler TV" - featuring shocking cliffhangers and reveals perfect for next-day workplace discussions. However, its release on Netflix means viewers consume all episodes immediately rather than building weekly anticipation.
The review suggests "Hostage" could have achieved the cultural moment status of BBC's "Bodyguard" in 2018 if released weekly on terrestrial television. Instead, the streaming format risks spoiler culture overwhelming what could have been a nationwide shared viewing experience.
Sources used: "The i", "Evening Standard", "BBC", "Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
