A Dark, Atmospheric Thriller That Could Have Gone Further

Read Time:4 Minute, 27 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
The Vanishing Triangle
–

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2023, Acorn Media International DVD 2025
Runtime: 6h
Director(s): Imogen Murphy, Laura Way
Writer(s): Ivan Kavanagh, Alan Bailey, Sally Tatchell, Rachel Anthony
Cast: India Mullen, Allen Leech, Aaron Monaghan, Laoise Sweeney, Derbhle Crotty, Stuart Dunne, Adam John Richardson, Sarah Carroll, Philip O'Sullivan, Jana Mohieden
Where To Watch: now available on DVD and digital, order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Some mysteries don’t just beg to be solved—they demand attention, forcing their way into public consciousness and refusing to let go. This series takes inspiration from one of those chilling cases, transforming real-world disappearances into a fictionalized crime drama that’s as much about institutional failures as it is about the pursuit of justice. There’s no question that it crafts an engrossing atmosphere, blending true-crime elements with character-driven storytelling. But does it strike the right balance between suspense and social critique, or does it get tangled in its narrative ambitions?

At the heart of this story is journalist Lisa Wallace, whose determination to uncover the truth about a missing woman sets her on a collision course with her past. As she digs deeper into the case, old wounds resurface—memories of her mother’s brutal murder and a justice system that let her down. That personal connection gives the investigation weight, making the stakes feel more immediate. However, in its effort to build tension, the show occasionally falls into familiar crime drama rhythms, making certain twists and turns feel expected rather than surprising.

One of its strongest aspects is situating its mystery within a larger cultural moment. Set in the mid-90s, the series doesn’t just focus on a single case—it also examines how attitudes of the time shaped the way crimes were investigated. Law enforcement is depicted as slow-moving, dismissive, and sometimes outright complicit in perpetuating injustice. The timing of the story, set shortly after a major legal referendum, reinforces the idea of a country struggling between progress and deeply ingrained biases.

Visually, the series does an excellent job of transporting audiences to its period. The cinematography leans into desaturated tones, emphasizing the bleakness of the setting and the story being told. Camera work is effectively claustrophobic at times, boxing characters in to mirror their growing sense of pressure and paranoia. These choices create an immersive environment, though some of the show’s biggest dramatic moments don’t always land as powerfully as intended. The pacing is uneven in places, with key reveals losing some punch due to rushed execution or predictable setups.

Performance-wise, the cast carries the weight of the story. The lead actress delivers a layered portrayal, balancing intelligence with a vulnerability that makes her struggle compelling. The dynamic between her and the detective who assists her investigation adds much-needed depth to the procedural aspects, offering some of the most engaging moments in the series.

The writing is where the show wavers the most. While it effectively captures the frustration of fighting against a broken system, it also tends to spell things out too much. Some dialogue ensures the audience understands what’s happening rather than allowing the story to unfold naturally. This can be particularly noticeable in exposition-heavy scenes, where the desire to connect the dots for viewers occasionally overrides the natural flow of conversation. When the writing is at its best, it delivers strong character moments and builds genuine tension, but at its weakest, it risks feeling more like a lecture than a living, breathing story.

Ultimately, this series offers an engaging crime drama with an intriguing mystery at its core, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on its strongest elements. The setting, performances, and thematic depth work in its favor, but some execution choices keep it from being great. It’s an absorbing watch for those who enjoy investigative thrillers, but its flaws keep it from being as gripping as possible. There’s a lot to appreciate here, but it’s the kind of show that leaves you wishing it had given itself just a little more time to refine its best ideas.

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[photo courtesy of ACORN MEDIA INTERNATIONAL]

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