Before exploding to global stardom on ‘Killing Eve’, Jodie Comer had her break out role on another BBC show, ‘Thirteen’.
The show revolves around Ivy Moxam (Comer), a woman who had been hled hostage for 13 years after been kidnapped at 13 years old. She escapes and the hunt is on to find her attacker after her takes another young girl.
Comer plays Ivy brilliantly, she presents her as a woman out of time, emerging into a new world. She is packed full of trauma, resentments, fear, and deception. We never know if we can trust her or even if she can trust herself. It is fascinating and heartbreaking to watch.
Richard Rankin and Valene Kane are the other two leads of the series, playing a pair of detectives determined to find Ivy’s abuser and save the missing girl. The sexual chemistry between them is simmering throughout and provides a real unpredictability to complement Comer’s performance. The only downside is that the show decides to essentially ignore all real police procedure.
The show takes multiple unexpected turns which keeps it constantly engrossing, and the dynamics between characters feel compelling throughout.
The show is a very good mini-series in its own right, even more notable for the very distinct feeling you get when watching that a star was truly born here.
Rating = 4/5
Howe's World of Film and TV 