For those seeking a gripping thriller with compelling characters and a suspenseful plot, look no further than Hanna. The series, currently available on Prime Video, has resurfaced in recent recommendations, and for good reason. It’s a masterclass in action and intrigue, building upon the foundation of the 2011 film starring Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, and Cate Blanchett.
A Story of Survival, Pursuit, and Uncovering the Truth
The narrative centers on Erik Heller, a former CIA agent embroiled in a clandestine project involving newborn children. He makes the daring decision to rescue one of these infants, whisking her away from a secure government facility. Following a harrowing escape with the baby and her mother, tragedy strikes when they are ambushed, resulting in the mother’s death. Erik manages to evade capture, disappearing into the wilderness with the child.
Sixteen years later, that baby, Hanna, has been raised in isolation, meticulously trained by Erik to survive and defend herself. She possesses extraordinary skills, far beyond those of a typical teenager, capable of navigating the world as a highly-trained operative. However, Hanna yearns for a life beyond the confines of the forest, a desire that sets her on a collision course with Marissa Wiegler, a relentless CIA agent operating outside of conventional protocols.
As Hanna ventures into the outside world, she must evade Marissa’s relentless pursuit while simultaneously attempting to unravel the mystery of her own identity. The series, created by David Farr, who also penned the screenplay for the original film, delves deeper into the backstories of the characters and expands upon the core themes of the movie.
The central trio is brought to life by a talented cast. Esmé Creed-Miles delivers a captivating performance as Hanna, portraying both her vulnerability and her fierce determination. Joel Kinnaman embodies the complex character of Erik Heller, a man haunted by his past and driven by a protective instinct. Mireille Enos is equally compelling as Marissa Wiegler, the unwavering agent consumed by her mission.
Hanna premiered on Prime Video in and quickly garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. The series currently holds a 79% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a score of 6.2 out of 10 on FilmAffinity, and a 7.6 out of 10 on IMDb, demonstrating its broad appeal and quality.
The show unfolded over three seasons. The first two seasons each comprised eight episodes, while the third season was slightly shorter, consisting of six episodes. Each episode typically runs between 45 and 55 minutes, providing a substantial and immersive viewing experience.
While initially exclusive to Amazon’s streaming platform, Hanna is now accessible on both Prime Video and SkyShowtime. Viewers in Spain can also find the series within the Movistar Plus+ catalog, specifically through a “Ficción Total” package.
Hanna isn’t just another action thriller; it’s a character-driven story that explores themes of identity, freedom, and the consequences of secrets. The series successfully balances intense action sequences with moments of emotional depth, creating a viewing experience that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking. It’s a compelling watch for fans of the genre and a testament to the power of expanding upon existing narratives with nuance and complexity.
