Surface Season 1 (Complete) | TV Series

Sophie unravels her past after amnesia, questioning her perfect life and hidden truths.

Review

Surface Season 1 (2022) is a sleek, slow-burn psychological thriller that hinges on Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s magnetic performance as Sophie, a woman piecing together her identity after a traumatic fall from a San Francisco ferry leaves her with amnesia. Across eight episodes, Sophie digs into her seemingly idyllic life with husband James (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), uncovering lies tied to stolen millions and a past identity as Tess Caldwell. Mbatha-Raw carries the show with nuance, navigating Sophie’s confusion and growing defiance, while Jackson-Cohen’s James oozes charm laced with unease.

The San Francisco backdrop dazzles, and the score heightens the tension, but the pacing lags at times—repetitive twists and drawn-out reveals test patience. Supporting players like Stephan James (Baden) and Ari Graynor (Caroline) add depth, though some plot threads, like Baden’s murder, feel rushed or unresolved. Critics split on its derivative amnesia trope, but the finale’s fake-out suicide and Sophie’s escape to London set up Season 2 intriguingly. It’s a stylish, flawed puzzle—captivating if you buy into its vibe, frustrating if you crave tighter answers.