Daughter's disappearance sparks European chase

The gripping crime drama "The Stolen Girl" is arriving on ITV, offering a five-part thriller that promises twists and cliffhangers. The story centers on Elisa and Fred Blix, ordinary parents whose world is shattered when their daughter, Lucia, vanishes from a sleepover. This disappearance triggers a frantic search that quickly transforms into a high-stakes chase across Europe.

Adapted from Alex Dahl's "Playdate," the series was penned by Catherine Moulton, known for her work on "Hijack." The production comes from the esteemed makers of the BAFTA-winning drama "Happy Valley." Filmed in Manchester and France, the show's visually captivating settings complement the intense plot.

The unsettling truth about Lucia's abduction by Rebecca Walsh, a mysterious figure, slowly emerges. As Elisa desperately tries to find her daughter, she contends with the persistent journalist Selma Desai, whose reporting further complicates the already devastating situation. The narrative shifts from a seemingly textbook abduction to something far more sinister.

Hailed for its compelling and gripping nature, "The Stolen Girl" has garnered an 87 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers have described it as suspenseful and binge-worthy. Critics have also lauded the series, with publications like The Times calling it a "gripping ride" and The Standard a "tense, enjoyably twisty thriller." The series is set to premiere on ITV on Wednesday, February 25, with the first episode airing at 9 pm. It will also be available for streaming on Disney+.