The disappearance of a child ripples throughout this engrossing Irish drama which, due to various factors, never aired in Australia. Reminiscent of ABC’s dramatization of The Slap, we follow the lives of those close to the titular Amber. Her recently divorced parents who unwittingly use the search to take potshots at each other, a younger brother in danger of being caught in the cross fire and a family friend who uses her journalist connections to launch an investigation of her own. In addition, we see the domino effect the case has on the lives of those who would be considered complete strangers, including a young immigrant and a potential suspect.
Despite deliberately referencing high-profile kidnappings that have played out in the media, Amber never feels like it’s being exploitative. Adopting a non-linear structure that spans two years, it rewinds and playbacks scenes allowing for a different point of view, altering the perspective of the viewer and any feelings they may have already established. Whilst it does veer off into melodrama at times, Amber should be commended for its powerful performances, engaging script and a finale that refuses to present everything in a neat little package.
John Noonan 