Last week on Amazon Prime Video, viewers were treated to a gripping spy thriller featuring Patrick Dempsey, and now Netflix is stepping up with its own espionage offering that has quickly captured the audience’s attention. The new six-part series titled “Unfamiliar” made its debut on the platform last week and is already ascending the rankings of Netflix’s top 10 TV shows.
“Unfamiliar” centers around a German married couple, Simon and Meret Schäfer, portrayed by Felix Kramer and Susanne Wolff, who once served as spies but are now living a quiet life in Berlin while managing a safe house. Their past, however, soon resurfaces, complicating their newfound normalcy. The plot kicks off during their daughter Nina’s sweet 16 birthday celebration, where an urgent phone call shatters the festivities. A man claims he is injured and seeks refuge in their home, prompting Simon and Meret to grapple with their past.
As the story unfolds, tensions rise when the couple questions the man’s authenticity, particularly after witnessing his suspicious behavior and self-inflicted wounds. They soon learn that the stranger is tied to Josef Koleev, a high-ranking Russian military intelligence officer who has recently arrived in Berlin. He begins to hint at a troubling mission from 16 years ago in Belarus that could unravel their lives. The show explores deep themes of family secrets and the consequences of past actions, with Nina discovering the hidden truths about her parents’ previous lives and Meret uncovering Simon’s deepest betrayals.
Critics and viewers have praised “Unfamiliar” for its smart storytelling and complex character dynamics. With a current IMDb rating of 6.8, audience reactions have been enthusiastic. One viewer commented on its intelligence and suspense, stating, “This is the best suspense series on Netflix in the past few months.” Despite some critiques regarding the series finale, many have found it to be engaging from start to finish, showcasing a narrative filled with unexpected twists and an underlying mystery of trust among the characters.
The show has drawn comparisons to other successful thrillers, capturing the essence of deception and intrigue that fans of the genre appreciate. As viewers continue to dive into “Unfamiliar,” it promises to be a thrilling addition to Netflix’s lineup, leaving audiences eager for more espionage storytelling. Viewers seeking a gripping and smart thriller can catch “Unfamiliar” now available for streaming on Netflix.