Was struggling to find something to watch after binging most series during Lockdown . I usually really like 'spooky' thrillers and often give them the benefit of the doubt; suspending belief to enjoy the programme. I know C5 have a bit of a reputation for below quality dramas but I went into this with an open mind. I was disappointed. The Irish countryside, as a setting, is perfect to draw the viewer in and ratchet up suspense. It can't compensate for the poor acting for the lead characters. The writing is ok. Nothing special. The male lead is trying but I get the distinct felling that he's working on exposure and taking it as a 'gig'. The female lead is terrible! She can't act. I've seen amateur dramatics productions with more competent actresses. No chemistry between characters. No range. Poor delivery of the lines. The female lead made me cringe. It's also a bit creepy. She looks 14-15 years old, having an affair with a 30-40year old man! I know she purportedly at university making her 18 but honestly it made me uncomfortable to watch a child acting out sex scenes with an adult man. All in all terrible.
Review of The Deceived
