Harlan Coben's I Will Find You review: A Disappointing Entry in Netflix's Whodunnit Franchise

As a self-proclaimed Harlan Coben fangirl, I've devoured every television adaptation of his works since 2020. With 10 Netflix adaptations and two on Prime Video, Coben has solidified his position as the King of Crime, both on page and screen. However, with I Will Find You, his tenth Netflix adaptation, the franchise has hit a disappointing note.

At its core, I Will Find You revolves around David Burroughs (Sam Worthington), who is serving a life sentence for the murder of his son, Matthew. When his ex-sister-in-law, disgraced journalist Rachel (Britt Lower), uncovers evidence that Matthew might still be alive, the narrative is set in motion. David's subsequent break from prison and cat-and-mouse chase with the FBI drive the plot, with Coben delivering a tight and engaging storyline.

One of the series' strongest aspects is its ability to evoke a thrilling rollercoaster experience. However, the mundanity of the narrative is a significant drawback, especially considering the audience's high expectations. Coben's masterful storytelling is hindered by the predictability of the plot, making it feel overly formulaic. This predictability stems from the show's linear storyline, which often relies on familiar tropes and plot twists.

The casting announcement for I Will Find You has been criticized for its lack of subtlety, making it evident who the culprit is from the get-go. This mistake has become increasingly common in crime dramas, where the guest star with the most prominence is often the perpetrator. In this case, the show's reliance on a Columbo-esque approach to casting has made the plot's outcome increasingly foreseeable.

Another notable issue is the change in location from the UK to the US. As the first adaptation based in the US, I Will Find You may feel like a departure from the familiar settings of Coben's previous work. While the show attempts to capture the grittiness of East Coast crime drama, it ultimately feels like a lesser version of previous adaptations. This is largely due to the overexposure to crime dramas set in New York, such as Law & Order, 9-1-1, and Blue Bloods, which often portray fictional crime in the Big Apple as cheesy.

In a world where crime dramas have become increasingly common, it's become more challenging to surprise audiences. Coben's reliance on familiar tropes and predictable plot twists detracts from the engaging storyline he's crafted. I Will Find You may fill the whodunnit void, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of recent releases like Lazarus and Run Away. With a predictable plot and underwhelming performances, this adaptation feels like a comedown from the high standards set by Coben's previous work.

In conclusion, I Will Find You is a disappointing entry in the Netflix whodunnit franchise. While Coben's storytelling is still solid, the predictability of the plot and underwhelming performances make it feel like a lesser adaptation. As the franchise continues to grow, it's crucial to revisit the formula and push the boundaries of storytelling. Only then can Coben's works truly live up to their potential and captivate audiences as they have in the past.

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