Non mi lasciare

This Italian drama series opens with the discovery of the body of a boy in the Venice Lagoon. Evidence suggests it was probably a suicide but policewoman Elena Zonin believes his death is linked to a series of disappearences which she is convinced involves a ring of paedophiles who are selling children on the dark web. At first her superiors are unconvinced but then another boy vanishes. Setting up a team Elena has a race against time to find the boy before it is too late. Adding some extra tension to proceedings is the fact that Elena hasn't been to Venice in about twenty years; returning sees her working alongside old friend Daniele Vianello, who is now married.

I thought this was a gripping series. The subject matter is dealt with in a way that isn't too disturbing but is still tense. There is often a good sense of danger. The characters are likeable and fun to watch; the actors doing fine jobs in their roles. Venice is an impressive location; inviting in the daytime but somewhat sinister at night. Unlike too many series this has an ending that wraps things up nicely; it also provided a surprise that I didn't see coming. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of Euro-drama.

These comments are based on watching the series in Italian with English subtitles.

It is not often that this jaded thriller fan is impressed, and less often that he is moved to tears. But this series did both. I was all the more impressed and moved because the real coup de theatre came from a direction I did not anticipate but could not deny. Among the many outstanding contributions (besides the direction and writing) are the lead actors, who are incredibly charismatic, and a marvelous music score that evolves and sneaks up on you over the course of the series. I persevere through many so-so or merely satisfying shows to come upon a gem like this. Bravissimo!

PS: Months after posting this review, I occasionally come across this show in listings, and try to remember what I so loved about it. Then it comes back to me...and I suddenly catch my breath. So heartbreaking, so beautiful.

Italian drama 'Don't Leave Me' is certainly stylish: how could it not be, with its attractive leads and Venetian setting? It's also solidly plotted and its characters have depth. It's also not without flaws: we have a team of super-talented police with instanteous tech and a ridiculously glamorous office; and a lot of the plot twists are very heavily flagged. The chase scenes are slick but never quite feel natural. And the basic idea, that a super-powerful gang are involved in a highly sophisticated scheme to abuse children, doesn't feel true to the tawdry nature of child abuse in general. It's certainly more than a by-the-book thriller; but it doesn't quite inspire the highest levels of emotional engagement.

If ever there was a show where the achievements of the cinematographer outshone those of the writer, director and cast, this is it. True, the camera crew have Venice to work with, and Venice (as so many filmmakers have found) is a character in itself: all you've got to do is pay attention to its details and idiosyncrasies. Even so, the camera work and editing here is remarkable good, full of curiosity and maybe even love for the location.

The script, however, is a total plodder, more leaking dinghy than gondola. Mysterious girl returns to hometown after decades away, now cast as the avenging angel for kids being abused and sold online. Tough work, for sure, but it's treated here as almost backdrop to the mawkish romantic plot elements in which our heroine (improbably partnered with her old boyfriend who wasn't even a cop but a musician last time they met!) is an Italian kickass ninja with great hair rather than a real person moved by the plight of those she has devoted her life to saving, i.e. Abused kids. (I tack them on to the end of the sentence here the way the plot tacks them on to this otherwise entirely average romance cop show in a cool location.)

So often, Italian dramas (with some honourable exceptions) add mush and Muzak where muscle and motivation would be much more welcome and effective. This is one of those shows where the splendor of the backdrop makes the main attraction (if we can use such a term of the theme) look like nothing to get worked up about - hardly what you want in a show on such a subject.

You'll learn nothing about how pedophiles really work (except that it has to do with the Dark Web, apparently) and you'll think Venice looks great if a bit damp off season. Other than that you'll see some nice clothes and some handsome people pretending to be serious and getting in and out of boats of various kinds.

Sadly, three episodes were more than enough.

This beautiful cinematic series was painstakingly crafted using very realistic character actors, a superb cast, captivating storyline, wonderful locations, breathtaking views of Venice, mesmerising cinematography, highly creative editing and magical music that carried you throughout. A faultless production with tasteful artistic direction and excellent production values. Superbly written, directed and produced. Amazing ending ... the cast and story lives on ... should pick up many awards.