Although Netflix has lots of family-friendly content, it's also known for pushing the envelope with sexier dramas (à la the 365 Days trilogy and Sex/Life). But it seems the streaming giant was just warming up. With Obsession set to premiere on Thursday, Netflix delivers its steamiest show yet. Trust us: This erotic thriller is going to become your new … obsession.
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'Obsession' is based on Josephine Hart's 1991 novel 'Damage.'
The limited series follows British surgeon William Farrow (played by Richard Armitage), whose world begins to crumble as he engages in an illicit affair with his son's girlfriend, Anna Barton (Charlie Murphy). The story may sound familiar to some: Damage was first adapted into a 1992 film starring Jeremy Irons, Juliette Binoche, Rupert Graves, and Miranda Richardson.
William and Anna try to keep their relationship concealed, but things quickly spiral out of control.
As William becomes increasingly infatuated with Anna, his wife and son grow suspicious. And it turns out Anna is keeping some big secrets from her past that come to the surface as her relationship with William deepens.
What ensues is a very messy tangle of sex (lots of it, judging by the teasers that Netflix has shared), lies, and mystery. Critics are already calling it "the sexiest thing on TV this year," according to the Daily Mail.
Richard is no stranger to being a sex symbol.
In 2004, he dethroned leading-man-of-the-moment Colin Firth when he starred in the swoon-worthy period drama North & South. After the miniseries' final episode aired, so many fans flooded the BBC's online messages boards to gush about Richard that the site crashed.
Ever since, the 51-year-old actor has had an intensely loyal fan base (of mostly females) following his career, which has included roles in The Hobbit films, Netflix's The Stranger, and the long-running spy show MI-5. No doubt his devotees will be excited to see him in a darker, racier role with Obsession.
Charlie is also a familiar face.
The 34-year-old Irish actress is best known for her roles in the popular British shows Happy Valley and Peaky Blinders. She recently spoke to the Daily Star about what it was like to film Obsession's incredibly intimate scenes. "We were allowed to get to know each other first and to have a real laugh together too, which is essential," she said of her fellow cast members.
"People imagine that chemistry between actors is all about physical attraction, but what it's really about is the ability to feel playful and at ease with that person. By the time it came to filming, I wasn't even nervous. It was like the first night of a play where you're just completely ready."
'Obsession' will play out over just four episodes.
The episodes each have a running time of between 30 and 45 minutes, so the show can easily be binged in one seating. That's good news, considering the can't-look-away drama that Netflix is promising. Just make sure the kids are safely asleep for the night before you dive in.
