Before Paul Mescal became a blockbuster star in films like Gladiator II and Aftersun, he played a supporting role in a gripping Irish psychological thriller now streaming on Channel 5
The drama is streaming on Channel 5 now(Image: Channel 5)
Fans of the Heartthrob Irish actor, best known for his break out role in Normal People, should turn to this lesser known thriller for the perfect binge-watch.
Actor Paul Mescal who has since appeared in the likes of Gladiator II, Hamnet and Aftersun plays a supporting role in this TV series, portraying the character of Sean McKeogh, a local builder in Ireland and volunteer firefighter.
He serves as Ophelia, the protagonists’ confidant and the person she turns to for support as she attempts to uncover the truth behind a devastating death.
The Deceived, released in 2020, follows her time as a university student who becomes romantically entangled with her married lecturer Michael Callaghan, at Cambridge University. Although, her Irish lecturer is from the fictional village of Knockdara in County Donegal, where most of the show is set.
Inevitably, their affair spirals into tragedy, leaving her ensnared in an ever-growing web of deceit and gaslighting, caught up in a dangerous power struggle with her secret lover, and now, a murder case.
Written by the same writer behind the award-winning Irish television series Derry Girls, this show offers something entirely distinct, yet is every bit as deserving of a binge-watch session.
The Deceived is a 2020 mini-series that unfolds a psychological thriller across four episodes. Since its release, the Irish-British production has largely slipped under the radar, despite having a popular actor.
A review of the programme on IMDb compares the story to that of Rebecca, claiming that the show clearly draws on it as inspiration. They wrote: “This is a spooky thriller with obvious references to Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I loved it.
“I don’t get the negative reviews. It had good twists and turns. I thought the acting was very good. I looked forward to each episode.
“It was rather unsettling at times, best watched in the company of someone else, not by yourself. If you like Rebecca you’ll love this. Loved the ending.”
Another reads: “This was a truly excellent four part drama, The Deceived is a smart, creepy, sinister series, which will have you gripped until its conclusion. I would agree with the comments about this having more than a hint of Rebecca about it, very much so, and despite being set in modern day, the story has a wonderful vintage feel to it, it could have been written in 1946.
“Very nicely produced, well made, very well acted indeed, Emmett J Scanlan gives a very good, captivating performance throughout.”
Joining Mescal in the cast are Emmet J Canlan as the lecturer and Emily Reid as the student, alongside Eleanor Methven, Catherine Walker and Ciara Berkeley. While critical reception has largely celebrated the performances of those involved, the majority of complaints appear to be directed at weaknesses in the script and storyline.
A critic points out: “The script is very underwhelming as some conversations are awkward and cut way too short with unanswered questions. It’s very unnatural and makes everyone seem odd and disconnected from each other.”
As a series that flew largely under the radar following its ill-timed release during the pandemic, it seems the show is still waiting to reach the wider audience it deserves. If nothing else, devoted Paul Mescal fans would do well to seek it out and witness one of his lesser-known early roles, before he rose to become the Hollywood heavyweight he is today.
All four episodes of The Deceived are available to stream now for free on Channel 5.
