Hostage: Is It A Thrilling Political Drama?
Hostage (Season 1/UK/2025) Mini-Series is a contemporary political drama. The kidnappers take the husband of the British Prime Minister, Abigail Dalton, a political prisoner or a hostage.
And soon after, these kidnappers start to send blackmail messages to the French President Vivienne Toussaint. As a result, both the women leaders (of Britain & France) find themselves in a difficult corner. What should the British Prime Minister do to ensure the safe and secure release of her husband? And, how will the French President respond to the below-the-belt blackmail? So, what will these two powerful leaders do when they must make an unthinkable decision? Do they give up or fight back?
Series Review [Spoiler-Free]: Hostage (Season 1, UK, 2025) English
In FOCUS: When Conspiracy Theories Dominate This British Political Drama
Introduction
In the “Hostage” mini-series, we watched the UK Prime Minister and the French President being blackmailed by highly motivated people. And, not so long ago, we saw that in the “Heads of State” movie, wherein some powerful people tried to assassinate the UK Prime Minister and the U.S. President. Indeed, we are living in fascinating times.
What is more interesting is that these influential leaders are consideredamong the most powerful rulers, not only in their respective nations but also on the world stage. Still, these democratically elected leaders are put through the wringer. So, in this limited series, these two powerful political leaders, the British Prime Minister and the French President, are not only dealing with the external threats but also the internal threats. Also, history comes to bite back. Thus, testing their leadership qualities. Both of them must grapple with an impossible decision.
Matt Charman
It is quite clear that the scriptwriter and the show creator, Matt Charman, is hell-bent on putting these two leaders in very high-risk scenarios. Once again, the story is not easy to believe for many viewers. But then, we must not forget that the truth is stranger than fiction. For instance, who would have believed that some of the Western Nations are still supporting the genocidal wars in distant nations? Yet, when the desperate poor people from the war-torn countries and/or former colonies seek ‘refuge’ in their rich nation, they close their borders. As if their policies have no role in creating the problem of ‘refugees’ in the world.
Notably, it is fascinating to note that the withdrawal of British Military Troops from Belize in Latin America happened more than three decades ago, in 1994. Yet, some people are shown to be still carrying the grudge and deep-seated resentment in 2025. Is the past raked up to make people angry and violent? Not surprisingly, the rise of the extreme ‘right-wing’ politics around the world is a harsh reality. One cannot bury one’s head in the sand. Matt did get this aspect right. There are enough right-wing extremists who are willing to take up arms, fight and kill in the name of their love for their nations. This is a crazy scenario, indeed.
Suranne & Julie
Last time, we saw Suranne Jones in the Vigil (2021-2023) Series; now, in this action-filled, tense political drama, she plays the protagonist, British PM Abigail Dalton. She really carries herself well as a PM and looks convincing. On the other hand, we remember watching the wonderful performances of Julie Delpy in the famous movie trilogy – Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013). More than a decade later, now, we saw her bring her magical presence as the deuteragonist, the French President Vivienne Toussaint. No doubt, Julie is equally good. We also liked the rest of the ensemble cast, especially the youngsters, Hiftu Quasem (Ayesha) and Isobel Akuwudike (Sylvie Anderson), in this show.
Conclusion
Like us, if one can overlook the few unbelievable plotlines in its story, then it will be easier to enjoy this political drama. Also, if you are an avid believer in the conspiracy theory, then you might like it. But is it a thrilling political drama? Well, it tries very, very hard to manufacture a make-believe national crisis in Britain. And not to forget the French connections, too. However, despite the holes, with only 5 episodes, it is perfect for a marathon watch, or as they say, the ‘binge-watch’. So, go ahead and enjoy it. You might find it to be a thrilling political drama of our times.
Rating
| Focus Magazine (FM) Rating | 3.35/5 |
Poster
Key Details
| Genre | Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
| Original Languages | English (UK) & French |
| Season | First (1st) Season |
| Episodes | Five (5) Episodes |
| Show Creator & Writer | Matt Charman |
| Director | Amy Neil & Isabelle Sieb |
| Composer | Jeff Russo |
| Cinematographers | Matt Gray & Catherine Derry |
| Editors | Ben Drury & Jesse Parker |
| Main Cast | Suranne Jones (Abigail Dalton), Julie Delpy (Vivienne Toussaint), Ashley Thomas (Dr Alex Anderson), Isobel Akuwudike (Sylvie Anderson), Corey Mylchreest (Matheo Lewis), Lucian Msamati (Kofi Adomako), Hiftu Quasem (Ayesha), Martin McCann (John Shagan), Sophie Robertson (Saskia Morgan), Pip Carter (Dan Ogilvy), Josh Barrow (Tristan), Ami Okumura Jones (Zadie), Jehnny Beth (Adrienne Pelletier), James Cosmo (Max Dalton), Paul Thornley (Michael Hall), etc. |
| Taglines | I will not negotiate. I will not be held … |
| Network | Netflix |
Trailer & Synopsis
In this action-packed political thriller, the British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) goes head-to-head with the French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy), and they are forced to make an unimaginable decision. Fighting political pressures, with a husband held hostage and a country to defend, she’s left with nearly no choice - but she will not give in.
Also, check out the YouTube Short Video - Julie Delpy and Suranne Jones explore the personal cost of politics in ‘Hostage’ | Associated Press (AP)
Poster and the Featured Image of the Hostage (Season 1/UK/2025) Mini Series are credited to Netflix.
