Television continues to be a fertile ground for adaptations by best-selling author Harlan Coben, with numerous series dropping on Netflix and Prime Video. Among the latest is Prime Video's original horror thriller series, Lazarus, co-written by Coben and BAFTA-winner Danny Brocklehurst. This dark, twisty murder mystery distinguishes itself with a mysteriously supernatural edge, creating an often tense and continually fresh viewing experience.

The series centers on Joel Lazarus, a forensic psychologist portrayed by Sam Claflin. He returns home following the death of his father, Dr. Jonathan Lazarus (Bill Nighy), and begins to experience haunting visions related to his father's former clients. This personal tragedy rekindles his obsession with the unsolved murder of his beloved sister, Jenna (Alexandra Roach), which occurred 25 years prior. As Joel delves deeper, he confronts a cascade of terrible revelations, questioning if foul play was involved in his father's supposed suicide, seeking the truth behind Jenna's murder, and grappling with his own sanity amidst increasingly odd, otherworldly experiences.

Sam Claflin delivers an intense and emotional performance in the demanding role of Joel. He masterfully navigates Joel's simultaneous efforts to solve his father's death, the cold case of his sister's murder, and the mystery of his visions, all while struggling to maintain his mental stability. Bill Nighy brings a guarded authority to his character, imbued with mysterious hidden layers, sharing an excellent and believable on-screen dynamic with Claflin. Alexandra Roach also excels as Jenna, providing a kind yet eccentric presence that serves as a crucial sounding board for Joel.

Lazarus largely succeeds due to its unique central element: the supernatural. The series is propelled by a combination of interesting reveals and a gradual succession of Joel's paranormal experiences. The careful, dreamy cinematography enhances these otherworldly moments, contributing to the series' novel quality. Unlike many of Coben's other adaptations, Lazarus is an original work, meaning there's no pre-existing book for viewers to reference, adding an extra layer of suspense.

Despite its strengths, Lazarus is an engaging if somewhat uneven viewing experience. While the central performances are solid and the otherworldly elements create a unique atmosphere, some persistent narrative issues prevent it from achieving full greatness. The transition between the supernatural and more grounded investigative elements is generally seamless, with well-structured pivots. However, some supernatural explanations are a mixed bag, and while one major mystery wraps up with a genuine surprise, another might feel predictable to seasoned genre fans. A key twist at the end, though foreshadowed, can feel like a bit of a stretch. Ultimately, Lazarus stands out in a prominent genre by balancing complex narratives with a protagonist haunted by his past, making it a good series, though it falls just shy of being truly great.

This marks another significant role for Sam Claflin, known for his work in Daisy Jones and the Six and The Hunger Games franchise. Claflin has previously demonstrated his prowess in the thriller genre, starring in films like Every Breath You Take (2021) and the more supernatural The Quiet Ones (2014). Harlan Coben's extensive list of TV adaptations also includes Missing You, Just One Look, Caught, Harlan Coben's Shelter, and Fool Me Once, the latter also adapted by Brocklehurst. Lazarus premieres on Prime Video on October 22.