The 2020 Irish-British psychological thriller follows a dark tale of obsession, gaslighting and deadly secrets — and is a must-watch for fans of The Capture
Crafted by the same writer behind the award-winning Irish series Derry Girls, this show strikes an entirely different chord, yet remains every bit as binge-worthy.
Fans of psychological thrillers, such as the adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s beloved British novel Rebecca, would do well to add this Irish production to their watchlist.
The Deceived is a 2020 mini-series that unfolds its psychological thriller narrative across six episodes. Since its release, the Irish-British production has largely slipped beneath the radar, despite featuring a hugely popular leading man.
The plot follows Ophelia Marsh, a Cambridge University student who becomes romantically entangled with her married lecturer Michael Callaghan, who resides in the fictional Donegal village of Knockdara.
It’s streaming on Channel 5 (Image: Channel 5)
Their affair takes a devastating turn when a tragic death occurs, leaving Ophelia ensnared in an ever-expanding web of deceit and gaslighting, locked in an unsettling power struggle with her secret lover.
One critic, reviewing for The Age, wrote: “Creepy without being too disturbing (indeed it’s a little silly in places), and with a pleasing twist, it’s the viewing equivalent of comfort food, combining classic film tropes with timeless, undemanding subject matter.”
The series features Normal People star Paul Mescal, who has subsequently appeared in productions such as Gladiator II, Hamnet and Aftersun. In this programme, he portrays Sean McKeogh, an Irish builder and volunteer firefighter.
He serves as Ophelia’s trusted ally, supporting her as she pieces together the truth surrounding this devastating death.
Another viewer review on IMDB says: “I really enjoyed this. It kept me guessing throughout and I thought the mind games played by Michael on his young student were carefully crafted, skillfull and sinister.
There are four episodes to binge-watch (Image: Channel 5)
“I thought this was a great short series and would watch again to catch more of the early clues and connections. Ending was brilliant. Ep 3 and 4 were best but all high standard.”
Another review notes: “This was a truly excellent four part drama, The Deceived is a smart, creepy, sinister series, which will have you gripped until its conclusion. I would agree with the comments about this having more than a hint of Rebecca about it, very much so, and despite being set in modern day, the story has a wonderful vintage feel to it, it could have been written in 1946.
“Very nicely produced, well made, very well acted indeed, Emmett J Scanlan gives a very good, captivating performance throughout.”
Alongside Mescal in the cast are Emmet J Canlan as the lecturer and Emily Reid as the student, with supporting roles from Eleanor Methven, Catherine Walker and Ciara Berkeley. Numerous reviews lavish praise on the cast’s performances, though the majority of criticism appears to be directed at the script and storyline.
As a programme with a more limited platform that failed to garner significant attention during its unfortunate release coinciding with the pandemic, it appears the show may still be awaiting its audience. If nothing else, admirers of Paul Mescal should definitely watch it to witness one of his earlier roles before his rise to blockbuster stardom.
All four episodes of The Deceived are available to stream now for free on Channel 5.
