I Will Find You: A Review of Netflix's Wheel-Spinning, Pulpy Harlan Coben Thriller
Netflix's 'I Will Find You' is a modern take on the distracted-viewing show, with a plot that feels like it was built to be watched while doing other things. Adapted from Harlan Coben's book, the series stars Sam Worthington, Britt Lower, Milo Ventimiglia, and a stellar ensemble cast. While the show has its flaws, including an abundance of exposition and red herrings, it remains generally watchable thanks to its top-notch cast and capable polish.
The series centers around David Burroughs, a father serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of his young son, a crime he vehemently denies. The show's mystery structure, with multiple characters seeking the same information, suggests that the exposition was not the result of executive notes. However, the series' creative team may have been influenced by Netflix's approach to multi-tasking viewership, as evidenced by the show's repetitive plot points.
The cast, including Worthington, Lower, Chi McBride, and Logan Browning, delivers capable performances, even amidst the wheel-spinning narrative. The show's journalistic subplot, featuring Lower's character Rachel, adds a layer of intentional humor, making it easier to overlook the unintentionally laughable moments. The show's ensemble cast, including Milo Ventimiglia and Clancy Brown, also delivers solid performances.
Despite its flaws, 'I Will Find You' is a watchable thriller, designed to be half-watched while keeping track of external stimuli. The show's brand and stars are sure to attract eyeballs, but it ultimately feels like a rush job, with a plot that is in little hurry to get anywhere. The show's repetitive plot points and trifurcated structure may be a result of Netflix's approach to multi-tasking viewership, but it ultimately fails to engage the viewer in a meaningful way.
