, starring Denise Gough, Holliday Grainger, Ambika Mod, and Jim Sturgess. A tense thriller about a mother’s quest to find her missing daughter.){kind=link}
Directed by Eva Husson.
The Stolen Girl was premiered on April 16, 2025.
Distributed by Disney Media Distribution.
Series Review
The Stolen Girl is a psychological thriller that dives deep into the emotional turmoil of Elisa Blix (Denise Gough), a mother whose daughter is abducted.
As Elisa embarks on a quest to find Lucia, dark secrets from her past begin to unravel, revealing a connection to Rebecca/Nina (Holliday Grainger), the abductor.
With strong performances from Gough and Grainger, the show keeps you hooked with its suspenseful storytelling and intricate characters.
Themes of guilt, justice, and redemption take center stage, as Elisa faces the consequences of her past actions.
While visually stunning, the series occasionally leans on dramatic plot twists. However, its emotional depth and compelling narrative make it a must-watch for thriller lovers.
Ratings:
• Rotten Tomatoes: 87% critic score, 3/5 audience score
• IMDb: 6.4/10
• Google Audience Score: 62% liked this film
The Stolen Girl Actors
Denise Gough as Elisa Blix
DOB: February 28, 1980
Bio: Denise Gough is an acclaimed Irish actress born in Ennis and raised in Wexford, Ireland.
She trained at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) in London and has garnered critical acclaim for her stage performances, earning two Laurence Olivier Awards.
Gough has also made significant contributions to television and film, with notable roles in series such as Andor, Too Close, and Paula.
Role: Elisa Blix, a mother grappling with the unthinkable: the abduction of her young daughter, Lucia.
Throughout the series, Elisa’s determination to uncover the truth pushes her to navigate personal loss, media scrutiny, and a system stacked against her.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, all 5 episodes
What to Expect: Expect a gripping and emotional journey through Elisa’s trauma and unwavering search for justice.
Favorite Things: Long-distance running, true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her family.
Notable Works: Andor, Too Close, Paula, Colette, The Other Lamb, Monday, Martyrs Lane.
Holliday Grainger as Rebecca/Nina Thibault
DOB: March 27, 1988
Bio: Holliday Grainger is a British actress best known for her role in The Borgias and more recently in The Capture.
Grainger, whose career began in the early 2000s, has established herself as a versatile actress, adept at playing both light and dark roles.
Her nuanced performances bring depth to every character she portrays, making her one of the most compelling actresses of her generation.
Role: Rebecca, the seemingly innocent mother of a young girl who plays a pivotal role in Lucia’s life, later revealed to be the mysterious Nina Thibault.
As her secrets unravel, Rebecca’s true intentions become clear.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, all 5 episodes
What to Expect: A chilling and transformative performance as Rebecca/Nina, whose motivations are slowly revealed, keeping viewers on edge.
Favorite Things: Historical fiction, traveling, and horseback riding.
Notable Works: The Borgias, Strike, Great Expectations.
Ambika Mod as Selma Desai
DOB: October 2, 1995
Bio: Ambika Mod is a British actress with a background in both theatre and television.
Her breakthrough came in This Is Going to Hurt, where her portrayal of a young doctor brought attention to her acting prowess.
Mod is also known for her advocacy for diversity in the industry.
Role: Selma Desai, a passionate and driven journalist who teams up with Elisa to uncover the truth behind Lucia’s disappearance.
Her investigative skills and sense of justice make her a valuable ally.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, all 5 episodes
What to Expect: Expect Selma to be a key player in the investigation, providing both emotional and intellectual support to Elisa’s search for answers.
Favorite Things: Stand-up comedy, political journalism, and environmental activism.
Notable Works: This Is Going to Hurt, One Day, stand-up specials.
Jim Sturgess as Fred Blix
DOB: May 16, 1978
Bio: Jim Sturgess is an English actor and musician best known for his roles in Across the Universe and 21.
With his deep voice and strong screen presence, he’s been a fan favorite in both indie films and large-scale productions.
Sturgess also releases his own music and has worked on various film scores.
Role: Fred Blix, Elisa’s supportive husband. Fred must cope with the aftermath of their daughter’s disappearance, offering comfort to Elisa while dealing with his own internal conflict.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, all 5 episodes
What to Expect: Jim portrays a loving father torn between his desire to protect his wife and his need to confront the truth.
Favorite Things: Music composition, playing guitar, and hiking in the countryside.
Notable Works: Across the Universe, Cloud Atlas, One Day.
Bronagh Waugh as DI Shona Sinclair
DOB: October 6, 1982
Bio: Bronagh Waugh is a Northern Irish actress known for her intense and gritty portrayals in crime dramas.
She made a mark in TV with The Fall and has since been a staple in the genre.
Waugh also has a background in comedy and stage work, showcasing her range.
Role: Detective Inspector Sinclair, the experienced officer heading up the investigation into Lucia’s disappearance.
Her strong, no-nonsense approach helps drive the case forward, though she too faces challenges as the case grows more complex.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, all 5 episodes
What to Expect: A determined and intelligent detective who grapples with the emotional weight of the case.
Favorite Things: Forensic analysis, fine wine, and short story writing.
Notable Works: The Fall, Ridley, The Suspect.
Michael Workeye as Kaleb Negasi
DOB: August 1996
Bio: Michael Workeye is a talented British actor who has appeared in both drama and action roles.
His breakthrough came in This Is Going to Hurt, where he portrayed a sharp, tech-savvy character.
Workeye is known for his ability to handle complex and layered roles.
Role: Kaleb Negasi, a forensic data analyst who helps Elisa and the police connect digital dots, leading to critical breakthroughs in the case.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, 4 episodes
What to Expect: Expect Kaleb’s tech expertise to play a pivotal role in the unraveling mystery, with moments of tension and precision in his work.
Favorite Things: Coding, video games, and digital privacy activism.
Notable Works: This Is Going to Hurt, My Lady Jane.
Robyn Betteridge as Josephine “Josie” Thibault
DOB: August 17, 2011
Bio: Robyn Betteridge is a young British actress who began her career with several guest spots on TV.
Her first major role was in The Wheel of Time, and she’s now recognized for her ability to hold her own among adult actors.
Role: Josie Thibault, Rebecca’s daughter. Although initially appearing as a minor character, Josie’s perspective becomes pivotal as the plot unravels.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, episodes 1–5
What to Expect: Josie’s scenes offer a rare glimpse of innocence and vulnerability amidst the dark drama.
Favorite Things: Swimming, dance competitions, and acting classes.
Notable Works: The Wheel of Time, TV commercials.
Layo-Christina Akinlude as DS Lizzie Walker
DOB: N/A
Bio: Layo-Christina Akinlude is a British actress with a background in both acting and directing.
She’s starred in multiple crime and drama series, known for her nuanced approach to her roles.
Role: DS Lizzie Walker, Detective Sinclair’s deputy. Lizzie is practical and committed, providing valuable insight into the investigation while supporting Sinclair’s leadership.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, 5 episodes
What to Expect: A grounded and professional performance that shows the human side of law enforcement.
Favorite Things: Urban exploration, writing screenplays, and going to art exhibitions.
Notable Works: The End of the F*ing World, Grime Kids.
Xavier Samuel as Marcus Turner
DOB: December 10, 1983
Bio: Australian actor Xavier Samuel gained recognition for his role in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and has since starred in various independent and high-profile films.
Known for his versatility, Samuel often takes on morally conflicted or enigmatic roles.
Role: Marcus Turner, a suspect whose connections to the case complicate the investigation.
His involvement leads to unexpected revelations.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, 4 episodes
What to Expect: Expect moments of tense ambiguity as Marcus’ involvement in the plot becomes more entangled.
Favorite Things: Surfing, sports cars, and theater.
Notable Works: Eclipse, Adore, Love & Friendship.
Andy Sellers as Tom O’Ryan
DOB: N/A
Bio: Andy Sellers is a British actor who has appeared in All Creatures Great & Small and Young Woman and the Sea.
He has a strong background in television and radio.
Role: Tom O’Ryan, a true-crime podcaster whose coverage brings Elisa’s family into the public spotlight.
His investigation creates waves that disrupt the ongoing case.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, 3 episodes
What to Expect: Expect a charismatic and driven portrayal of a journalist who battles ethical dilemmas in his pursuit of the truth.
Tom’s character adds a layer of complexity as his actions blur the lines between helping and exploiting the tragedy.
Favorite Things: Investigative journalism, true crime podcasts, and playing chess.
Notable Works: All Creatures Great & Small, Young Woman and the Sea.
Lisa Bowerman as Maria Blix
DOB: February 1, 1962
Bio: Lisa Bowerman is an accomplished English actress, director, and voice artist.
She is best known for her role in the Doctor Who audio dramas, but her acting career spans decades.
With a diverse range of performances in both drama and science fiction, Bowerman is celebrated for her depth and versatility.
Role: Maria Blix, Elisa’s mother, who brings a supportive yet complicated dynamic to the storyline.
As a matriarch of the Blix family, Maria is determined to help Elisa but faces her own fears and conflicts along the way.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, 2 episodes
What to Expect: Expect a heartfelt and moving portrayal of a mother’s love, mixed with tension as Maria navigates family trauma.
Favorite Things: Gardening, historical novels, and directing community theater.
Notable Works: Doctor Who, Cadfael, The Woman in White.
Beatrice Campbell as Lucia Blix
DOB: August 25, 2010
Bio: Beatrice Campbell is a young actress best known for her work in The Stolen Girl.
Despite her age, Beatrice has shown exceptional acting talent, particularly in dramatic roles.
She is poised to have a bright future in the entertainment industry.
Role: Lucia Blix, the missing child at the center of the story.
Although Lucia’s absence drives the plot, her importance grows as clues surrounding her fate unfold.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1, appears in all episodes through flashbacks and investigative moments
What to Expect: Expect a deeply emotional portrayal of a young girl who becomes a symbol of hope and despair.
Favorite Things: Acting, playing the violin, and reading mystery novels.
Notable Works: The Stolen Girl, local theater performances.
More Actors
• Forrest Bothwell as DC Daniel Coolidge
• Jordan Baker as Miss Thompson
• Lee Knight as Joe Gibson
• Finlay Robertson as Douglas Brown
• Christopher Sherwood as Teddy Dayton
• Nathan Turner as Stephen Bailey
FAQ – The Stolen Girl
Is The Stolen Girl based on a true story?
While the series is a work of fiction, it is partially inspired by real-life events.
The show is adapted from Alex Dahl’s 2020 novel Playdate, which was reportedly inspired by the true case of Maureen Dabbagh, whose daughter was abducted by her ex-husband in 1993. DECIDER
How many episodes are there in The Stolen Girl?
The series consists of five episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 45 minutes.
Where can I watch The Stolen Girl?
The Stolen Girl is available to stream on Disney+ and Freeform.
In the UK, it premiered on Disney+ on April 16, 2025. In the US, it airs on Freeform and is available for streaming on Hulu.
Is there a second season of The Stolen Girl?
As of now, The Stolen Girl is a limited series with no confirmed plans for a second season.
The story is contained within the five episodes, providing a complete narrative arc. STYLIST
Conclusion
The Stolen Girl offers a captivating exploration of guilt, redemption, and the lengths a mother will go to for the safety of her child.
With exceptional performances, particularly from Denise Gough and Holliday Grainger, the series weaves a compelling narrative full of suspense, emotional weight, and dark secrets.
Though some plot twists may seem a bit dramatic at times, the show’s ability to maintain tension and intrigue makes it stand out in the thriller genre.
For fans of psychological drama and gripping storylines, The Stolen Girl is a highly recommended watch.
With a powerful emotional core and unpredictable twists, it will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end.