This festive season, Channel 4 is offering British viewers a chilling alternative to Christmas classics with the release of the complete Italian thriller series, Stranded. All eight episodes are now available to stream for free on the broadcaster's platform, introducing a new audience to the snowy mystery originally titled Black Out.
A Classic Locked-Room Mystery with a Modern Twist
First released in Italy in 2023, the series has been picked up by Channel 4 under its acclaimed Walter Presents label. The plot is a classic setup fans of Agatha Christie will instantly recognise: a group of strangers find themselves trapped in an isolated luxury hotel after a devastating avalanche cuts them off from the world on Christmas Eve.
The show's official synopsis sets the scene: an earthquake triggers a general blackout, isolating the hotel and its valley. As days pass with no rescue and supplies dwindle, tensions among the guests inevitably rise. The story focuses on Giovanni and Claudia, described as a murderer and his unwitting victim, who are presented with an unexpected chance for redemption amidst the chaos. The central, haunting question remains: what truly happened beyond the valley?
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Praise
The series has garnered positive attention from critics and audiences alike. The Guardian awarded it three stars, calling it a 'riveting' crime thriller. Their review praised its 'banquet of melodrama', describing it as a soapy blend of Agatha Christie, Lost, and a cathartic saga where wealthy holidaymakers endure a hellish experience.
On IMDb, Stranded holds a solid rating of 6.6 out of ten. Viewers who have discovered the series have been equally enthusiastic. Comments on the trailer highlight the captivating plot and stellar performance by lead actor Alessandro Preziosi, who plays the grieving father Giovanni Lo Bianco. Preziosi himself described his character's journey as one that begins with personal tragedy before being 'catapulted into a rather severe blackout' by the disaster and a fateful encounter with another guest, played by Marco Rossetti.
Roots in Real-Life Tragedy
While a work of fiction, the series carries a subliminal weight from real events. Writer Valerio D'Annunzio acknowledged to Movie Player that the story was subconsciously influenced by the tragic 2017 Rigopiano avalanche in Abruzzo, Italy, which destroyed a hotel and killed 29 people following a series of earthquakes.
D'Annunzio was careful to state that the show was not a direct reference, crafted out of respect for the victims and to avoid exploiting real pain. However, being from the Abruzzo region, he admitted he 'carried something inside' him, which inevitably shaped the narrative's atmosphere of confinement and disaster.
For those seeking a suspenseful, binge-worthy mystery this holiday period, Stranded presents a perfect opportunity. The entire series is available to stream now on Channel 4's streaming service.
