Frustrated Netflix fans have said they want their “time back” after watching steamy new drama Obsession. The brand-new tale of forbidden lust dropped on the streaming platform on Thursday (April 13), and promised to tantilise fans hot on the heels of hit psychological drama You and the raunchy series Sex/Life.
Written by playwright Morgan Lloyd-Malcolm, the miniseries follows respected London surgeon William (Richard Armitage) as he engages in an affair with his adult son’s fiancée Anna (Charlie Murphy). Their dangerous liaisons soon develop into an erotic infatuation that threatens to change their lives forever, as William becomes obsessed with his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.
The erotic drama is a modern take on Josephine Hart’s 1991 novel Damage, which was also adapted into a 1992 film with Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche. Obsession features plenty of nudity, some pretty explicit sex scenes, and lots of sensual staring.
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The show was pitched to Spooks and The Hobbit star Armitage “with a sense of trepidation” due to its explicit nature.
“It’s going to be a challenge, physically. It’s nudity parity,” he said. “That’s industry speak for full kit off for male and female actors.”
But working for the first time with an intimacy co-ordinator – who helps to choreograph sex scenes and put the actors at ease – helped things run smoothly. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Armitage said: “Luckily, we had Adelaide Waldrop: part director, part psychologist, part choreographer.
“Her approach to the work completely changed my viewpoint.”
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The series has suffered from poor reviews since it premiered, currently holding a 40 percent critics’ score and a disappointing 13 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. But certain elements of the show have left a strong impression on viewers – although not for the intended reasons.
Some fans have been amused by one scene in which Armitage’s randy daddy has relations with a hotel pillow. On Twitter, @alaranzc said: “This show is hilarious what on earth was he doing with that GD pillow.”
@streekyBBBgetem added: “I have not laughed so hard at a scene in a very long time.”
@ChrissyA_92 said: “This is why I always take the hotel cushions off the bed and put them far, far, far away.”
Many fans took to social media prior to Obsession’s launch expressing their anticipation for the 50 Shades-esque drama, but it appears many have found it – ironically – anticlimactic. Some have slammed it as “one of the worst” Netflix shows, with particular criticism aimed at its “trashy” plot.
@djAngOnhErO said: “This might be one of the worst of the recent Netflix releases. Trashy plot and messy storytelling with zero character development. Waste of time.”
@2MetreDistance echoed: “Glad #ObsessionNetflix was a quick watch because what utter tripe. Had high hopes but weak far-fetched storyline and the backstory and conclusion weren't worth the bother.”
@jade_obscure added: “One of the worst things I’ve ever seen. Had to rewatch Fatal Attraction to cleanse my ‘gripping drama about sexual obsession’ palate. How did this show get green lit.”
@likelyjaz added: “I want my time back why did I hate watch the whole thing.”
But other fans have been more generous, with praise given to Armitage’s performance. @Mytvviewing said: “Can we talk about how a fantastic actor #RichardArmitage is, #ObsessionNetflix was another mind-blowing acting from him.”
@JaneMcG24947056 added: “After seeing the film Damage in 1992 I thought this may not be as good. But I think it is comparable, the ending is not as good and Anna is slightly less enigmatic than the Anna played by Juliette Binoche but I watched all 4 episodes and found it compelling.”
@MN456782 added: “This is probably the craziest drama Netflix ever produced.”
Obsession is available to stream on Netflix now.
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