For fans of gripping murder mysteries, the 2018 British seriesCollateral,streaming onNetflix, offers a thrilling ride from start to finish. Set in the heart of London, the show begins with the seemingly random murder of a pizza delivery driver. What initially appears to be a straightforward case quicklyunravels into a complex web of deception, power, and moral conflict.It’s soon discovered that the murder was no accident, but rather a carefully orchestrated crime that goes all the way to the top.
Thankfully, Detective Kip Glaspie (Carey Mulligan) takes on the case, using her unconventional tactics to uncover the truth. Written by acclaimed British playwrightDavid Hare, best known for screenplays likeThe HoursandThe Reader,Collateralintertwines multiple storylines and characters, ultimately colliding by the end.More than just a compelling procedural, the series is filled with thought-provoking ideas, sharp writing, and strong performances. Its unconventional approach —revealing the identity of the perpetrator early on— sets it apartas a standout in the genre.
What Is ‘Collateral’ About?
Collateralis an unconventional crime drama set in southwest London, beginning with the tragic, seemingly random murder of Abdullah Asif (Sam Otto), a pizza delivery rider gunned down by a hooded assassin. As the investigation unfolds, a visibly pregnant DI Kip Glaspie teams up with DS Nathan Bilk (Nathaniel Martello-White) and DC Rakhee Shah (Vineeta Rishi) to uncover the truth behind the crime. The case takes an unexpected turn when it’s revealed that Asif wasn’t originally meant to deliver the pizza to Karen Mars (Billie Piper), who is the ex-wife of politician David Mars (John Simm).
To make matters more complicated, there is a key witness to the murder — Linh Xuan Huy (Kae Alexander), an undocumented immigrant from Korea who was high at the time of the crime. Despite this,she is convinced that the killer was a woman. Her girlfriend, local vicar Jane Oliver (Nicola Walker),is concerned for her safety while grappling with her own struggles to maintain her faith. She also happens to have close ties to Mars, which only adds to the intrigue of the case.
What makesCollateralstand out is itsfocus on the “why” rather than the “who"of the murder,flipping the traditional crime genre on its head— a format the Brits seem to excel at. The show not only reveals the assassin’s identity in the first episode, but also explores the traumas and manipulation that led them to take such a violent action. The investigation goes beyond simplyfinding the person who pulled the trigger, as each new lead blurs the line between innocence and guilt.
Glaspie’s unorthodox methods and determinationdrive her to uncover uncomfortable truths, despite resistance from her team and the political elite. As the true motives behind the murder unfold, the search for the killerbecomes increasingly complex and dangerous.The story culminates in multiple storylines converging, with sharp writing, compelling performances, and an intricate narrativethat gives audiences a satisfying endingin just four quick episodes.
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David Hare’s Masterful Writing and Stellar Performances Make ‘Collateral’ a Compelling Watch
The brilliance ofCollaterallies in itsunpredictable twists and morally complex characters, carefully crafted byOscar-nominated writer David Hare. Known for his work in film and theater, it’s not always a given that successful and talented playwrights can master the pacing of television. WithCollateral,however, Hare nails it, even within just four episodes. The scripts are sharp, and they showcase real, compelling characters that add layers of depth beyond the lead, creating a multifaceted and engaging story.
Hare chose right with three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan to be the anchor of the show. She delivers a standout performance as Kip,combining humor, toughness, and compassion. She’s often recognized as being a former athlete,hinting at her determination and grit, and perhaps how she’s shifted her discipline and hard work to being a detective. She’srelatable and deeply empathetic toward victims, particularly immigrants like Abdullah’s family, believing they deserve to be treated with humanity.
Because of its unconventional storytelling,Collateralexpands well beyond the central investigation and the typical elements of a standard murder mystery. This allows the series to explore the multiple facets of the crimeand the complex gray areas between right and wrong.It explores timely topics that, unfortunately, remain relevant today, even after almost 10 years. Hare’s writing seamlessly weaves these issuesinto a solid police procedural, making the series all the more impactful. In the wrong hands, such writing could easily come off as preachy or overly performative, butCollateral’stalented cast brings it to life in a grounded and authentic way, making the exploration of these themes feel natural rather than forced.
The result is a compelling series that not only fulfills theexpectations of a detective crime showbut also offers a thought-provoking exploration of timely, complex issues. For fans of shows likeThe Fall,Broadchurch, andHappy Valleylooking for their next binge-worthy series,Collateralis the perfect choice. In just four quick and well-crafted episodes, filled with intricate plot twists, sharp writing, and compelling performances,the series keeps audiences hooked, leaving them questioning everything right until the very end.
