“The Forest of the Missing”: A Gritty French Thriller Finally Streaming On Prime Video UK
If you’re in the mood for a moody, atmospheric crime series, “The Forest of the Missing” (originally Les Disparus de la Forêt-Noire) has just landed on Prime Video UK, and it’s already grabbing attention for all the right reasons.
Originally released in 2022, this French-German crime drama has been described as suspenseful, satisfying, and deeply atmospheric. Now available to UK audiences, the four-part limited series offers a dark, slow-burn mystery that pulls you into the chilling depths of a decades-old case.
Stream “The Forest of the Missing” now on Prime Video UK.
What is “The Forest of the Missing” about?
The story begins on the Franco-German border, where 12 male bodies, both French and German, are found buried in a mass grave in the dense Black Forest. Forensics reveals that the murders span over 30 years, but two of the victims are recent, suggesting the killer is still at large.
At the center of it all is Judge Camille Hartmann, played by Hélène de Fougerolles, who is suffering from amnesia after a mysterious car crash. The discovery of the grave stirs up fragments of buried memories, pushing her to reconnect with the investigation and face a past she’s no longer sure she understands.
On the investigative front, we have Grégory Fitoussi as German police inspector Erik Maes, who teams up with Captain Franz Agerland, played by veteran actor Tchéky Karyo (Baptiste, The Missing). Together, the duo digs into the past and present of the region’s dark history, uncovering secrets that shake both sides of the border.
A dark and brooding watch that stands out on Prime Video
The UK’s Prime Video lineup can be hit-or-miss when it comes to foreign thrillers, but “The Forest of the Missing” stands out for its rich visual style and slow-building tension.
Fans have praised the series’ cinematography, eerie setting, and strong performances. One reviewer on IMDb described it as a “good atmospheric thriller” with “a strong message” by the end. Another noted that despite a few plot flaws, the show was still an “easy watch” that kept them hooked for the full three hours across four episodes.
Of course, it’s not without criticism, some viewers found the plot implausible in parts or wished for deeper character development, especially considering the limited runtime. But even with minor flaws, the show succeeds in creating a world that’s easy to fall into and hard to forget.
Should you stream “The Forest of the Missing”?
If you’re tired of glossy, fast-paced thrillers and want something a little more grounded, and a little darker, then this one’s worth your time. It won’t dazzle with constant action, but it will pull you into its mystery, keep you guessing, and leave you thinking about it afterward.
With a cast led by Hélène de Fougerolles, Grégory Fitoussi, and Tchéky Karyo, this is a slow-burn crime drama that rewards patient viewers looking for layered storytelling and haunting visuals.
“The Forest of the Missing” may not be perfect, but it’s a gripping, emotionally charged series that feels both timely and timeless. Its mix of psychological drama, mystery, and cross-border politics makes it one of the more intriguing thrillers currently streaming.
So if you’re scrolling through Prime Video and unsure what to watch next, give this one a try, especially if you enjoy European noir with a human edge.