Servant centers around a Philadelphia couple, Sean and Dorothy Turner, who are grieving the loss of their infant son, Jericho. In their efforts to cope with the tragedy, the couple hires a young nanny, Leanne to care for their son. As the series progresses, it becomes clear that the nanny is hiding a dark secret that threatens the sanity and safety of the family.
One of the standout features in Servant is the quality of its storytelling. The series is grounded in characters that evoke empathy and curiosity from viewers. The characters are well developed, and each episode peels layers of mystery off each one. The show’s creator Tony Basgallop manages to effortlessly weave a web of ambiguity, suspense, and horror that keeps viewers wanting to know more.
The lead characters in Servant are portrayed marvelously. Toby Kebbell takes on the role of Sean Turner, the husband, and chef; his performance is outstanding. Kebbell captures Sean’s pain and anxiety with such depth that it almost feels like he’s bearing his soul. This is complemented by Lauren Ambrose, who plays Dorothy Turner, the grieving mother. She conveys the desperation of a mother who has lost her child with conviction and intensity. Rupert Grint in the role of Dorothy’s brother, Julian, provides comic relief and serves as the mediator between the couple, often offering unconventional solutions to their problems.
Leanne, played by Nell Tiger Free, is exceptional in the role of the nanny. Her performance is eerie, often leaving viewers wondering whether she’s a savior or villain. Her character’s motivations are shrouded in mystery, adding to the overall enigma of the series. Despite the ambiguity, Leanne’s character is in-depth, and her actions sometimes serve as a catalyst for the show’s horror scenes.
Servant is a beautiful show, visually speaking. The cinematography, the set designs, and the use of props make for a fantastic viewing experience. The Turner’s house is impressive, minimalist, and beautiful. The show’s production team has managed to capture the essence of Philadelphia’s architecture without being overbearing.
The music score in Servant is also praiseworthy. The sound design and composition are moody yet emotional. The music heightens the tension and underscores the show’s horror elements. The sound design team has worked magic to make every creak, thud, and footsteps feel ominous, adding to the overall unease of the series.
Servant is a welcomed addition to the horror-drama genre. The show’s exploration of grief, trauma, and identity is ambitious and well-executed. The series never lingers too long on one thing, but instead is predominantly in forward motion, keeping the viewer at the edge of their seat. The cliffhangers are well placed, and the pacing never feels too slow nor too fast. Servant is undeniably one of the most intelligent and effective horror-drama series in recent times, and the cliffhanger ending only adds to the excitement for the second season.