‘Eric’ Review: Dark Crime Series with a Monstrously Good Benedict Cumberbatch

New crime-thriller series Eric starring Benedict Cumberbatch, is a show we believe ranks among the best Netflix series in recent years. Cumberbatch delivers a standout performance in the lead role, complemented by impressive acting from Gaby Hoffmann, McKinley Belcher III, and Dan Fogler.

Eric masterfully addresses a range of societal issues, such as inequality, LGBTQ+ acceptance, parenting, relationship challenges, corruption, child abuse, mental health, and addiction. These themes are explored with depth and nuance, engaging the viewer emotionally and intellectually. The series keeps you on the edge of your seat, weaving a gripping narrative that makes you eagerly anticipate each new episode.

Benedict Cumberbatch excels as Vincent Anderson, a disorganized and chaotic father who co-created the popular children’s show Hello Sunshine. Though reminiscent of Sesame Street, the show quickly shifts from a light-hearted tone to a much darker atmosphere. The opening scene, where Vincent announces at a press conference that his son Edgar is missing, is incredibly moving and establishes a gripping tone for the rest of the series right from the start.

Set in 1980s New York, a time plagued by insecurity, missing children, housing crises, homelessness, and corruption within City Hall and the police, Eric stands out for its seamless weaving of multiple storylines. The series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, maintaining constant suspense over the fate of Vincent’s son and its connection to the disappearances of other young children.

In Eric, a distinctive element emerges in the form of a towering blue imaginary creature that guides Vincent. Known as Eric, this two-meter-tall monster puppet plays a pivotal role in Vincent’s quest to find his son. Vincent becomes fixated on his son’s drawings of this blue creature, believing that getting Eric on TV will bring Edgar back home. Eric serves as both Vincent’s lifeline and a poignant symbol of his spiral into desperation.

Benedict Cumberbatch delivers one of his finest acting performances to date.

Eric comes from creator and writer Abi Morgan, inspired by her time in New York City in the mid-1980s. She describes the city as “rotten to the core, but on the cusp of change.” The series highlights rising crime rates, an AIDS epidemic, political corruption, racism, classism, homelessness, and gentrification, providing a raw and captivating portrayal of New York during that era.

Although at its core Eric is a crime series, it’s about more than just the search for the missing Edgar. The series raises the question of who the real monsters are, a theme explored on multiple levels. This question takes shape in the complex relationships and storylines surrounding Vincent and his environment. Vincent’s obsession with Eric, provides an intriguing metaphor for the inner demons and societal issues addressed in the series.

In addition to Cumberbatch, Gaby Hoffmann is particularly convincing as Edgar’s mother, Cassie. Her emotional search for her son, her growing despair, and the impact on her relationship with Vincent are impressively portrayed by Hoffmann. McKinley Belcher III plays detective Michael Ledroit, who investigates not only the disappearance of Edgar but also the case of the missing Marlon Rochelle. This highlights the biases and discrimination in the media and within the police, adding an extra layer of social relevance to the series.

While Eric has some slow moments and certain acting performances, such as that of Vincent’s son Edgar, that may disappoint, the crucial moments are truly gripping and unforgettable. The series’ climax, where the various storylines converge, delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant finale that stays with the viewer long after. Eric is a bold and direct series that challenges the viewer to ponder who the real monsters are and how our perceptions are influenced. The presence of a massive blue puppet alongside an actor of Cumberbatch’s caliber surprisingly works well and enhances the thematic depth of the series.

Benedict Cumberbatch delivers one of his finest acting performances to date. The series, which he also co-produced, showcases his versatility and ability to bring complex characters to life. Eric is undoubtedly one of the best Netflix originals in recent years and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys deep, emotionally charged, and superbly written dramas.

Eric is now available to stream on Netflix.

This article has been written in partnership with The Nerd Shepherd.

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