Netflix’s latest five-part series, Hostage, aired today, August 21, 2025. The series, starring Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy, sets the stage for a gripping political thriller, with ‘British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton’ (Suranne Jones) squaring off with ‘French President Vivienne Toussaint’ (Julie Delpy) as London faces ripples of crises. The premise is incredibly pulpy as the two female leaders lock horns to juggle personal stakes and diplomatic interests on top of a high-profile kidnapping. Created by Matt Charman, the plot falters with predictability and clichéd arcs.
Plot overview
After praiseworthy responses in Treason and Bridge of Spies, Matt Charman has returned with Hostage, a political drama. The five-part series follows newly elected ‘British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton’ (Suranne Jones), who is juggling various political crises at home, including a controversy over cutting the defence budget and NHS failures. Her personal life collides with her role as the country’s leader when armed mercenaries kidnap her husband, ‘Alex’ (Ashley Thomas), in French Guiana. The kidnappers have only one demand: for ‘Abigail’ to resign from her position.