Netflix is gearing up for a gripping addition to its thriller lineup with The Girl Who Got Away, an intense psychological cat-and-mouse drama premiering globally on December 28, 2025. Directed by Michael Morrissey in his feature debut, this 2021 indie gem—previously limited to select theaters and VOD—has found a new home on the streaming giant, poised to captivate fans of dark, edge-of-your-seat suspense. The story centers on a notorious female serial killer who murdered four young girls, with one victim miraculously escaping. Twenty years later, the killer’s prison break reignites a terrifying pursuit as she targets the sole survivor once again. Packed with fear, trauma, and relentless tension, it’s a chilling exploration of survival and justice that promises to leave viewers breathless.

At its core, The Girl Who Got Away follows Elizabeth Caulder (Lexi Underwood as young, Kaye Tuckerman as adult), the lone escapee from a series of abductions in upstate New York. Now living under a new identity as Christina Bowden, she has built a quiet life as a schoolteacher, haunted by memories but determined to move forward. The fragile peace shatters when news breaks of serial killer Jamie Nares’ (Chukwudi Iwuji) escape from maximum-security prison. Jamie, convicted for the murders two decades earlier, fixates on Christina—the “girl who got away”—embarking on a vengeful hunt. As Jamie closes in, Christina must confront buried trauma, protect her loved ones, and outwit a predator who knows her deepest fears.

Morrissey’s direction masterfully blends psychological depth with thriller mechanics. The narrative alternates between past abductions—visceral, claustrophobic sequences—and present-day pursuit, building dread through subtle cues: a shadow in the window, a familiar tune on the radio. It’s not gore-heavy; the horror is intimate—rooted in violation’s aftermath and the terror of being hunted again. Iwuji delivers a mesmerizing villain: charismatic yet monstrous, his Jamie a calculated sociopath with chilling monologues on “unfinished business.” Underwood and Tuckerman portray Christina’s evolution seamlessly—from terrified child to resilient woman—her performance raw and riveting.

Supporting roles elevate the tension: Angele Phase as Christina’s supportive but skeptical friend, and Ned Van Zandt as the detective haunted by the original case. Cinematography by Luke Geissbühler captures rural isolation beautifully—mist-shrouded forests, empty roads—amplifying paranoia. Ryan Shore’s score pulses with unease, strings tightening like a noose.

Critics praised its 2021 release: 82% on Rotten Tomatoes lauds “taut direction and strong leads,” Variety calling it “a smart, scary thriller that respects survivor stories.” Fans echo: “Edge-of-your-seat from start to twisty finish.”

Netflix’s timing—post-holiday slump—positions it perfectly against lighter fare. For devotees of The Silence of the Lambs or Mindhunter, it’s essential: A narrative exploring trauma’s longevity, justice’s elusiveness, and survival’s cost. As Jamie’s pursuit intensifies, one question looms: Can you ever truly get away?

The Girl Who Got Away isn’t escapism—it’s confrontation, a must-watch for thriller aficionados craving emotional charge. Stream December 28—brace for chills.