In the heart of 1980s New York, Netflix's upcoming limited series, “Eric,” delves into the harrowing journey of Vincent, a troubled puppeteer portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. The show, created by Abi Morgan and directed by Lucy Forbes, unfolds a narrative of loss, desperation, and the power of imagination. Vincent's world shatters when his son, Edgar, mysteriously disappears, plunging him into a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties. As Vincent grapples with guilt and self-destruction, he turns to an unconventional ally – his son's imaginary friend, Eric, a 7-foot-tall blue monster puppet.
The series, set against a backdrop of corruption, racism, and the AIDS epidemic, intricately weaves together themes of family, grief, and the lengths a father will go to in search of his child. With a stellar cast including Gaby Hoffmann, McKinley Belcher III, and Dan Fogler, “Eric” promises a riveting exploration of the human psyche amidst adversity.
Here's an official synopsis for “Eric,” courtesy of Netflix:
Set in 1980s New York, Eric is a new emotional thriller from Abi Morgan following the desperate search of a father when his nine-year-old son disappears one morning on the way to school. Vincent, one of New York's leading puppeteers and creator of the hugely popular children's television show, ‘Good Day Sunshine,' struggles to cope with the loss of his son, Edgar, becoming increasingly distressed and volatile. Full of self-loathing and guilt around Edgar's disappearance, he clings to his son's drawings of a blue monster puppet, Eric, convinced that if he can get Eric on TV then Edgar will come home. As Vincent's progressively destructive behavior alienates his family, his work colleagues, and the detectives trying to help him, it's Eric, a delusion of necessity, who becomes his only ally in the pursuit to bring his son home.
As Netflix unveils its latest psychological thriller, “Eric”, what aspects of human nature do you think the series will explore, and where do you believe the real monsters lie?
