Television continues to be a fertile ground for adaptations by best-selling author Harlan Coben, with numerous series premiering 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 consistently fresh viewing experience.

The series centers on Joel Lazarus, a forensic psychologist portrayed by Sam Claflin, who returns home following the death of his father, Dr. Jonathan Lazarus (Bill Nighy). Soon after, he begins experiencing 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 earlier. As Joel delves deeper, he confronts a cascade of disturbing revelations, questioning whether 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 strange, otherworldly experiences.

Sam Claflin delivers an intense and emotional performance in the demanding role of Joel, masterfully navigating the character’s simultaneous efforts to solve his father’s death, the cold case of his sister’s murder, and the mystery behind his visions, all while struggling to maintain his mental stability. Bill Nighy brings a guarded authority to his character, layered with mystery and depth, sharing a believable and compelling on-screen dynamic with Claflin. Alexandra Roach also shines as Jenna, offering a kind yet eccentric presence that serves as a crucial emotional anchor for Joel.

Lazarus largely succeeds due to its unique central element, the supernatural. The series is driven by a blend of shocking revelations and Joel’s escalating paranormal experiences. The careful, dreamlike cinematography enhances these otherworldly moments, adding to the show’s distinctive tone. Unlike many of Coben’s other adaptations, Lazarus is an original creation, meaning there is no pre-existing book for viewers to reference, adding an extra layer of suspense and unpredictability.

Despite its strengths, Lazarus is an engaging yet somewhat uneven viewing experience. While the lead performances are solid and the supernatural elements create a compelling atmosphere, some recurring narrative issues prevent it from achieving true greatness. The transitions between supernatural and grounded investigative elements are generally seamless, with well-executed pivots, though some of the paranormal explanations feel inconsistent. One major mystery concludes with a genuinely surprising twist, while another may feel predictable to seasoned fans of the genre. A key reveal at the end, though foreshadowed, risks feeling slightly overstretched. Ultimately, Lazarus stands out in a crowded genre by balancing complex storytelling with a protagonist haunted by his past, making it a strong and intriguing series, even if it stops just short of being exceptional.

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