If you are looking for an alternative to the last-minute Christmas shopping frenzy, a tense and snowy Italian thriller might be the perfect escape. The series, titled Stranded, has become a surprise hit for UK viewers after landing on Channel 4.
A Festive Nightmare Unfolds
First premiering in Italy in 2023, this eight-part drama presents a chilling premise. On Christmas Eve, an avalanche cuts off a luxurious mountain ski resort, trapping a group of wealthy guests inside. Among them is Giovanni, a broker with hidden ties to a criminal organisation. The official synopsis reveals the central conflict: ‘Recognising another guest linked to the secrets of his dark past, Giovanni realises his double life is about to unravel and only fate will decide who makes it out alive.’
As the situation grows desperate and the guests await rescue, long-buried secrets and tangled relationships begin to surface, creating a pressure cooker of suspense and melodrama.
Critical Acclaim for the Chilling Series
The show has garnered significant praise for its gripping narrative. When it first aired, Italian publication La Repubblica described the series as a ‘hotbed of intrigue and mysteries’. Vanity Fair Italy also commended it, stating the story ‘exceeds expectations’ with its ‘adrenaline-fuelled’ plot.
In the UK, The Guardian awarded the series a three-star review, perfectly capturing its appeal. They noted it offers ‘a banquet of melodrama to feast on – a soapy melange of Agatha Christie, Lost and one of those cathartic sagas where rich people have a hellish time on a luxury holiday.’ This blend of classic mystery, survival drama, and wealthy dysfunction has proven to be a compelling formula for viewers seeking a Christmas binge watch with an edge.
Channel 4: A Hub for International Thrillers
The arrival of Stranded on Channel 4 highlights the broadcaster's growing reputation as a destination for top-tier foreign-language drama. The service has been actively expanding its catalogue of international thrillers, offering UK audiences a wealth of content beyond English-language productions.
This follows the recent addition of other acclaimed series, such as the 2023 French-language drama For Better or Worse. That show, which sees a wife's life become a ‘pressure cooker of fear’ when her husband is linked to a murder, scored highly on IMDb and won the Best Foreign French Fiction Award at the La Rochelle Fiction Festival in 2022.
For those who have already devoured Stranded, Channel 4's library offers further exploration into the world of foreign drama, ensuring the post-Christmas slump is filled with suspense instead of boredom.
Stranded, the complete eight-part Italian thriller, is available to stream now on Channel 4.
