Dear Child Review: A Chilling Puzzle of Missing Pieces
‘Liebes Kind’ (English: Dear Child) may not sound like the title of a typical thriller series, but this German Netflix show truly does justice to the genre with its steady, gripping suspense.
The series opens with a chilling scene of Lena (Kim Riedle) and her two children confined against their will in a windowless, shadowy house. Soon, a man enters, and the three residents immediately line up in strict obedience. The story quickly shifts as Lena makes a desperate escape, only to be involved in a car accident. She is resuscitated in an ambulance, while her daughter, Hannah (Naila Schuberth), gives eerily precise details about the accident.
As Lena receives medical treatment, her daughter is placed in the hospital’s child-care unit under the watchful eyes of a nurse and psychiatrist. Aida Kurt (Haley Louise) is leading the investigation into Lena’s captivity, and when another detective, Hans (Gerd Bühling), hears about a woman named ‘Lena,’ he informs an elderly couple, Matthias and Karin, who rush to the hospital.
The screenplay and editing are captivating throughout the series, as different timelines are cleverly spliced into the present investigation, revealing vital clues in gradual, suspenseful pieces. We soon learn that Matthias and Karin’s twenty-something daughter Lena disappeared thirteen years ago after attending a party.
When Lena regains consciousness, Matthias quickly realizes she isn’t his missing daughter. But, in a twist, he’s convinced that Hannah is his granddaughter. The woman in the hospital, however, reveals her name is Jasmin, and that she was kidnapped six months earlier and forced to play the role of ‘Lena,’ the mother of Hannah and Jonathan. The police discover an abandoned NATO training ground near the accident site and consider entering it for more evidence. But, Boom! A landmine explodes. These constant twists keep the investigation full of surprises, ensuring you’re always on the edge of your seat.
While there are a few ‘obvious’ suspects, the chaotic yet creative merging of timelines keeps you guessing the identity of the true perpetrator. Jonathan is rescued from the site just moments before a timed explosive goes off. The children, who had never been outside the four walls of the house, require intense psychological care, while Jasmin—still mentally shattered—offers little help to the detectives.
As more skeletons are unearthed and additional suspects interrogated, shady and suspicious characters emerge, making the story increasingly gripping. Naila’s performance as the disturbingly obedient and dutiful child stands out, adding an extra layer of eeriness to the narrative.
The storytelling is methodical, supported by excellent editing, strong performances, a suspenseful score, and a sharp focus on essential details. These well-organized elements reinforce director Isabel Kleefeld’s ability to embody the stereotype of German precision and efficiency. The perpetrator is only revealed in the final episode, sustaining the tension throughout and making this thriller truly binge-worthy.
Rating: 8 on 10. Watch ‘Liebes Kind’ on Netflix.
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