“GRIPPING FROM START TO FINISH…” — this hidden Olivia Colman thriller is finally getting the attention it deserves
The ‘Gripping’ Thriller That Is Olivia Colman’s Ultimate Hidden Gem – And Your Weekend Must-Watch
Olivia Colman boasts one of the most legendary and admirable filmographies in Hollywood. Yet, tucked away in her illustrious career is The Thirteenth Tale—a stellar BBC psychological drama. If you are looking for a tense, captivating story that holds your attention from start to finish, here is some great news: the film is now available to stream on Prime Video.
Olivia Colman has a natural talent for stealing the spotlight in every single frame, whether it is in massive hits like The Crown or Broadchurch. However, much like many A-list stars, Olivia also has a few hidden gems in her repertoire. One of those is The Thirteenth Tale, a BBC original feature that first aired back in 2013.
The Gothic thriller, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Diane Setterfield, follows Margaret Lea (played by Olivia Colman), a young biographer who travels to meet the reclusive and eccentric writer, Vida Winter (played by the legendary Vanessa Redgrave), to pen her final biography.
In the past, Vida Winter was notorious for misleading and manipulating journalists with fabricated stories. However, as she speaks with Margaret, she begins to peel back the dark layers and reveal the horrific secrets of her family’s past.
While it is no longer available on the BBC, the film has officially found a home on Prime Video. A synopsis of the film reads:
“Follows aging novelist Vida Winter, who enlists a young writer to finally tell the story of her life including her mysterious childhood spent in Angelfield House, which burned to the ground when she was a teenager.”
Who Stars in “The Thirteenth Tale”?
The film’s greatest appeal lies in its exceptionally talented cast, guaranteeing top-tier performances from lead roles to supporting characters.
As mentioned, Olivia Colman (Paddington in Peru) and Dame Vanessa Redgrave (Julia) serve as the central anchors driving the entire narrative. The psychological dynamic and tension between an aging, brooding writer and a persistent, perceptive biographer create breathtaking dialogue sequences.
Alongside the two titans, the film features a talented young cast portraying the teenage versions of Vida and her wild identical twin sister, Emmeline. Notably, this includes:
Sophie Turner (The Game of Thrones star) in a hauntingly brilliant early-career role.
Madeleine Power (Douglas Is Cancelled)
Antonia Clarke (The Serpent Queen)
Furthermore, the supporting lineup for this thriller brings together a wealth of familiar faces from British television and cinema:
Alexandra Roach (Killing Eve)
Janet Amsden (EastEnders)
Robert Pugh (The Tuckers)
Emily Beecham (Into the Badlands)
Michael Jibson (Star Wars: The Last Jedi)
Tom Goodman-Hill (Baby Reindeer)
Lizzie Hopley (The Devil’s Hour)
Steven Mackintosh (Luther)
Adam Long (Happy Valley)
What Did Fans and Critics Make of the Film?
The film also starred a younger Sophie Turner
For viewers looking for something fresh to add to their weekend watchlist, reviews from those who have already watched it offer the ultimate reassurance. Most audiences were thoroughly captivated by the film’s eerie and magnetic atmosphere.
One viewer penned a detailed reflection:
“This BBC psychological thriller drew on most of the established ‘givens’ in what appeared to be a classic ghost story, with a big creepy house, a troubled governess, mysterious deaths, brooding Yorkshire moors, emotionally disturbed children and of course sightings of a ghostly lady in white. In fact, the twist is that it manages to subvert all these clichés and still produce a gripping story which holds the viewer until the end.”
Another viewer was quick to praise: “This is really one of my favourites I’ve seen throughout the year of 2013.”
A third fan commented on how well the adaptation stands on its own:
“The film is well acted, and the story gradually draws you in and surprises you as it does not go the way you think it will. Of course, I have never read the book, so no comparison is made with the novel. It’s a drama that stands in its own merits.”
The lingering dread of the film is undeniable. A fourth fan admitted after the credits rolled: “This film is pure Gothic. I feel alarmed, I feel shaky. This film will live with me for a while yet.”
The film won over not just mainstream audiences but also some of the toughest critics in the industry. Writing for the prestigious newspaper The Guardian, critic Lucy Mangan showered the drama with praise:
“All the ingredients of the potboiler plot bubbled away nicely for 90 minutes and served up a richly, deliciously satisfying stew.”
Why You Should Watch It This Weekend
Fans said the film stayed with them after it ended
If you are a devoted fan of thrillers, Gothic horror, or simply appreciate the masterclass acting of Olivia Colman, The Thirteenth Tale is the perfect answer.
Top-Tier Gothic Atmosphere: The film crafts a nostalgic, dark, and highly artistic aesthetic. Every camera angle, lighting choice, and sound cue is meticulously designed to evoke a sense of suspense and isolation.
An Unpredictable Plot: In a sea of modern, predictable thrillers, the plot twists embedded in this family’s dark history will keep you guessing until the very end.
A Clash of Two Generations: Witnessing Olivia Colman and Vanessa Redgrave go head-to-head in intense psychological scenes is a cinematic privilege you simply cannot miss.
Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and log into Prime Video to uncover this haunting, hidden gem for yourself this weekend!
