The first shot of Obsession lingers on Richard Armitage’s face as he stands in his surgical scrubs, a man caught between professional prestige and personal ruin. It’s a moment that sets the tone for this dark, twisty drama: a study in power, desire, and the unraveling of respectable facades.

Created by Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa, Obsession follows William Farrow (Armitage), a respected London surgeon whose affair with his son’s fiancée, Anna Barton (Charlie Murphy), spirals into something far more dangerous than a simple betrayal. The series thrives on its central performances—Armitage is particularly compelling as a man whose intellect and control crumble under the weight of his obsession. There’s a quiet intensity in his portrayal, a man who convinces himself he’s in love even as he manipulates those around him.

What works best about Obsession is its slow-burn tension. The script doesn’t rush into melodrama; instead, it lingers on the psychological unraveling of its characters. Indira Varma stands out as Ingrid Farrow, William’s wife, whose own hidden depths are slowly revealed. Her quiet strength and subtle moments of vulnerability add depth to a story that could have easily leaned too heavily into its darker impulses.

The mystery at the heart of Obsession—what exactly happened between William and Anna—keeps viewers engaged, but it’s not without flaws. The pacing occasionally drags, particularly in the middle episodes where the tension dips just enough to make the series feel longer than necessary. Some supporting characters, like Jay Farrow (Rish Shah) and Sally Farrow (Sonera Angel), feel underdeveloped, their emotions more suggested than explored.

Visually, Obsession leans into its gritty aesthetic, with dimly lit interiors and claustrophobic framing that reinforces the sense of entrapment. The sound design is particularly effective, using silence and sudden bursts of noise to heighten tension.

Ultimately, Obsession is a solid but uneven drama. It’s saved by strong performances and a compelling central premise, but it stumbles in pacing and character development.

Tags: dramas, Obsession, Charlie Murphy, Indira Varma, Richard Armitage