Unbelievable streaming on Netflix:

...inspired by a 2015 article by Propublica and the Marshall Project titled “An Unbelievable Story of Rape.” In the Pulitzer Prize–winning story, reporters T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong detail the ordeal of a woman (referred to by her middle name, Marie) who was charged with filing a false report ...

But it’s a whole lot more than that one story strand...

I was sceptical at first because the first episode seemed a bit ponderous, a touch midday-movie, but I stuck with it because hubby seemed to be seeing something in it I wasn't quite getting yet, and wow, am I glad I did. By episode two I was hooked. This is gripping must-see drama with two timelines. It’s a whodunit, a study in injustice, abuse of power, victim turned accused etc.

It begins in 2008, with a young woman reporting a rape. Certain events conspire against the young victim, Marie, and her case is closed. I won't spoil too much with the details there.

Fast- forward three years later to another eerily similar case and two female detectives brought together on a dogged hunt to find a serial rapist with almost no evidence to go by.

Much of the appeal and success of Unbelievable (apart from a riveting story) is down to the writing and the performances of the two leads, Merritt Wever and Toni Collette can't be faulted imh, (although Toni Collette’s overly tanned and somewhat oil-slick complexion can be a minor distraction at times)...and of course at its core is the heartbreaking narrative through-line of Marie's continuing story.

This is not CSI (thank God) no blonde, coiffed, glitzy gals poring over blood spatter –a master class in how what is essentially a police procedural (should be boring but isn’t,) can be elevated via the skill of all involved. The touches of humour are just right, and the supporting cast of characters is spot on.

I’m watching the final episode tonight and hoping it delivers as much as the rest has.

Finished this over the weekend, thoroughly enjoyed it.