In Search of the Missing Son: Benedict Cumberbatch's Puppeteer in 'Eric' Unravels Dark Mysteries

"Eric" is a strange and eerie show that you can't help but keep watching. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and a large, foul-mouthed puppet, the story is set in a dystopian version of 1980s New York. It's a mix of mystery, satire, and a right-wing nightmare about crime-ridden cities, with the added fear of a missing child.

The missing child is Edgar, a nine-year-old boy whose father, Vincent (played by Cumberbatch), is the grumpy and rebellious creator of a popular children's show called "Good Day Sunshine." Despite the show's name, everything about it is dirty and dark, mirroring the troubled relationship between Vincent and his wife Cassie. Their son isn't blind to the tension in their broken marriage.

When Edgar mysteriously disappears, both parents point fingers at Vincent. Vincent is convinced that his child's drawings of a puppet named Eric hold the key to finding him.

Struggling with anxiety and guilt, Vincent starts relying on self-medication. Suddenly, Eric appears to him, offering to help locate the missing boy. However, talking to an invisible creature with a colorful vocabulary isn't winning him any favors with those around him, especially his colleague Lennie. Lennie's patience wears thin as he tries to cover for Vincent's increasingly erratic behavior.

Ivan Howe plays the missing child in Netflix's "Eric."

Ivan Howe plays the missing child in Netflix's "Eric."

Netflix

Another important aspect of “Eric,” which was written by Welsh writer Abi Morgan (“The Iron Lady”), focuses on the detective (McKinley Belcher III) tasked with the case. He is a closeted Black man facing discrimination in a police department that is both racist and homophobic. Additionally, there is the issue of a missing Black teenager, whose story has not received the same level of media coverage. This raises the possibility that Edgar’s disappearance could be connected to a disturbing network involved in child exploitation and trafficking.

Cumberbatch shines in his role as a man unraveling slowly, while the police investigation in "Eric" brings the story to life with its twists and turns. Through six episodes, Morgan skillfully integrates peripheral characters and seemingly unimportant figures in surprising ways. In this version of New York, everyone is a suspect, with the wealthy and influential, such as Vincent's family, portrayed as the true villains. Nearly every character gives off an air of guilt.

"Eric" can sometimes come across as overwhelmingly bleak, adding to the perception of New York as a dystopian place during that time. However, there is a method to this madness. Despite a few bumps along the way, Eric manages to bring together conflicting elements in a surprisingly effective manner. While he may need some guidance, credit should be given to "Eric" for successfully weaving those threads together.

“Eric” premieres May 30 on Netflix.

Editor's P/S:

"Eric" presents a captivating and unsettling narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature amidst a dystopian setting. Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of a troubled father spiraling into madness is both haunting and compelling. The show's exploration of themes such as grief, loss, and the dark underbelly of society adds depth to the story.

Beyond the central mystery, "Eric" also tackles important social issues. The depiction of a closeted Black detective navigating discrimination and the disparity in media coverage of missing children highlights the systemic inequalities that permeate society. The show's willingness to confront these issues adds a layer of social commentary that elevates it beyond mere entertainment. "Eric" serves as a thought-provoking and unsettling examination of human frailty, the complexities of identity, and the consequences of unchecked power.