Sam Claflin’s “twisty” mystery branded a “classic thriller” drawing Flight Attendant comparisons

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Sam Claflin, known for his role in Peaky Blinders, stars in a new mystery drama that’s receiving mixed reviews. While some critics call it a “twisty” and “classic thriller,” others find it somewhat “basic.” The show, titled Vanished, premiered in the US on February 1st and will arrive in the UK on February 27th. It follows the sudden disappearance of Claflin’s character, Tom, during a train journey to the south of France, prompting his girlfriend, Alice (played by Kaley Cuoco of The Flight Attendant), to investigate.

I’m so hooked on this new series! From the start, Alice just gets thrown into this crazy, dangerous situation where she starts finding out some really shocking things about her boyfriend, Tom. Honestly, the actor who plays Tom, Sam Claflin, told Today that the constant twists and turns were a big reason he wanted to be a part of it, and I totally get why – it’s a wild ride!

As a fan, I think the best thrillers really mess with your head, and this one definitely seems like it will! The actor explained it’s packed with twists and turns, especially surrounding his character – you genuinely don’t know who he is! It’s so intriguing because his character just disappears on a train, and watching Kaley Cuoco’s character try to unravel the mystery of who he was and where he went is what really grabbed me. Honestly, working with Kaley was a huge reason I signed on too!

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Most critics liked the show’s surprising plot twist, even though the story sometimes followed familiar tropes. While the series has been compared to The Flight Attendant, many consider it not as good.

Most people seem to think the new MGM thriller is decent, even if it’s not perfect. If you’re wondering whether to watch Vanished starring Claflin, here’s a summary of what viewers are saying…

Variety

Okay, so I just finished watching Vanished, and honestly, it felt a lot like a rehash of The Flight Attendant. The biggest problem, though, was that it was super short – only four episodes! Because of that, the ending felt really rushed, and they didn’t have enough time to really explore what all the big reveals meant. It all just felt a little too similar to The Flight Attendant and didn’t quite live up to its potential.

This often feels like something Kaley Cuoco has done before, and in more detail. While Alice has Cuoco’s signature wit, her performance sometimes clashes with the show’s generally serious tone.

TV Fanatic

This four-part mystery is a fast-paced thriller with a classic setup: a man vanishes, and his partner discovers she didn’t really know him. The series sticks to this central idea without any unnecessary fluff or attempts at deep meaning. It’s a well-made, international story that delivers exactly what you’d expect.

“Vanished won’t redefine the genre, but it doesn’t need to.

This mystery is well-made and enjoyable, with two charming main characters and a central puzzle that keeps you interested until the very end.

LA Times

Kaley Cuoco has proven herself a talented comedic actress, notably with her beloved role as Penny on The Big Bang Theory and more recently as the complex lead in The Flight Attendant. However, she seems miscast in this current project. The unremarkable directing and writing don’t help, and she feels like she’s acting a character, rather than truly embodying it. In contrast, the French actors feel more authentic, and as always, the setting in France is visually stunning.

Collider

Vanished is a remarkably fresh and unpredictable film. It constantly subverts expectations, leaving you questioning everything and everyone you see.

Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin, both talented actors who deserve more recognition, lead the cast of Vanished. The supporting actors also contribute effectively to the show’s mysterious and unconventional storyline. While the performances and plot twists make Vanished engaging and keep you watching, the ending feels rushed and doesn’t quite deliver on the show’s initial promise.

Awards Buzz

“Vanished” is an okay series on its own, but it doesn’t really stand out. Watching it makes you remember how good and original “The Flight Attendant” was, especially its surprisingly strong second season, which shouldn’t have worked as well as it did since the show was originally intended to be a one-time story. The new series could have benefited from a character like Cassie, as despite having lots of twists, it feels predictable.

CRB

While Vanished sometimes relies on familiar tropes as it gets started, the MGM+ series still manages to be a captivating and enjoyable watch.

Despite its simple starting point, the film Vanished feels surprisingly full and engaging. The mystery of the missing person is brought to life by a strong performance, allowing the actor to create a well-developed character.

While Vanished initially seems straightforward, viewers will quickly discover that its true strengths lie in the subtle nuances, even though it evokes a classic, sun-soaked Alfred Hitchcock film.

TV Brittany

“MGM+ delivers a classic thriller with Vanished.

Kaley Cuoco’s performance in Vanished is reminiscent of her Emmy-nominated work in The Flight Attendant. She drives the story forward with the same determined and witty personality. The enjoyment of Vanished doesn’t come from the mystery itself, but from watching Cuoco energetically take charge of the entire narrative.

Okay, so you pretty much see where the story’s going from the start. But honestly, Kaley Cuoco is just so good, you end up not caring! I found myself totally rooting for her, and that made the predictable parts way more enjoyable.

Vanished debuts in the UK on Friday 27 February on Prime Video.

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2026-02-02 18:20