A Deep Dive into Too Close (2021)
Too Close, known as Under the Skin in some regions, is a gripping three-part psychological thriller miniseries that premiered in the spring of 2021. Adapted by Clara Salaman from her own novel (under the pseudonym Natalie Daniels) and directed by Sue Tully, the series brims with emotional intensity and dramatic tension.
The plot centers on forensic psychiatrist Dr. Emma Robertson (portrayed by Emily Watson), who takes on the challenging case of Connie Mortensen (played by Denise Gough). Connie, sensationally dubbed the “yummy mummy monster” by tabloids, drove an SUV into a river with both her own daughter and a friend’s child inside. Awakening from amnesia, she claims dissociative memory loss, leaving Emma to determine whether Connie is mentally ill or a calculating manipulator. The story unfolds as an intense cat-and-mouse game, blurring the boundaries between doctor and patient and raising unsettling questions about trust and deception.
From its tense opening—Connie’s horrific car plunge in a storm—to the slow escalation of psychological unraveling, Too Close consistently uses claustrophobic settings and emotional tension to drive its drama. Critics have compared its intricate psychological duel to shows like Killing Eve, praising the nuanced power struggle between Emma and Connie.
Emily Watson delivers a nuanced and deeply emotional performance as Emma—a grieving wife and mother whose composure fractures under the strain of the investigation. Denise Gough is equally compelling as Connie, skillfully oscillating between vulnerability and menace in ways that confound both viewers and Emma. Their interplay forms the emotional heart of the series, making every interaction fraught with risk and revelation.
Supporting characters add depth to the narrative. Thalissa Teixeira portrays Ness, Connie’s best friend, whose complicated history with Connie offers a crucial emotional backdrop. Jamie Sives and Risteárd Cooper appear as the husbands, each wrestling with their own suspicions and helplessness in the midst of a crisis.
At its core, Too Close probes themes of memory, guilt, motherhood, and emotional collapse. The intelligent scripting and strong central performances earned widespread acclaim. Reviewers highlighted how the series examines gendered expectations, midlife disappointments, and social pressures. Some critics noted that secondary characters could have been more fully developed and that pacing issues emerged toward the end, but the series maintains a compelling balance between tragic drama and psychological thriller, reflected in solid critical ratings.
The show attracted significant viewership in the UK upon its debut and received award nominations, including BAFTA nods for both Emily Watson and Denise Gough. Its success led to international distribution across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, gaining recognition as a high-quality British thriller.
In conclusion, Too Close is a tightly wound psychological drama with a lingering emotional impact. Anchored by riveting performances and sharp writing, it skillfully explores the blurred lines between compassion and suspicion, sanity and deception. While not without flaws, its thematic resonance and character-driven storytelling make it a standout pick for fans of intelligent, suspenseful television.
