On 18/6, Netflix launched the series adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel of the same name, directed by Robert Hull. Four days after its release, 'I Will Find You' topped Netflix's top 10 series globally with 24 million views, according to Netflix Tudum.

The series, consisting of eight episodes, opens with protagonist David Burroughs (played by Sam Worthington) receiving a life sentence for the alleged murder of his three-year-old son, Matthew. Unable to prove his innocence, he torments himself for causing his family pain. Five years into David's imprisonment, his ex-wife's sister, Rachel Mills (played by Britt Lower), visits and shows him a photograph of a boy with a birthmark and appearance similar to Matthew. David escapes prison to search for his son with Rachel, attempting to solve the case despite being pursued by a mysterious force.

Variety noted that the series' appeal lies in Harlan Coben's signature storytelling style. He guides viewers along a seemingly clear path, only to take sudden, unexpected turns. This forces viewers to "focus on the obvious clues while a more complex layer of secrets quietly unfolds in the background".

Critic Nick Schager of Daily Beast's Obsessed praised the project for its conciseness and fast pace. However, the plot lacks conviction, and the deductions are not well-founded. According to The Guardian, the original novel is the 13th of 14 Harlan Coben books Netflix has agreed to adapt. Several of his works have been brought to the screen, such as 'Run Away', 'Fool Me Once' (2024), and 'Missing You' (2025), attracting many viewers. Among these, 'Run Away' remained in the top 10 for four weeks from its release on 1/1, garnering 38 million views, according to Netflix Tudum.

Harlan Coben's novel "I Will Find You" was published in 2023. Photo: Grand Central Publishing

Character psychological development also contributes to the series' appeal. In an interview with Forbes before the premiere, author Coben stated that the work is "a story about a father who has lost everything," yet also "filled with hope." In the series, the protagonist does not escape prison to prove his innocence, unlike common tropes. Instead, David breaks out, clinging to the slim chance of finding his son, who might still be alive. "I can't imagine any hope greater than this," Coben said.

The cast's performances are also highly praised. In The Telegraph, writer Anita Singh commented on the lead actor: "Sam Worthington can handle Tom Cruise-style action scenes, like jumping across rooftops, while also conveying emotional depth in a father's determination to find his son." Critic Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter expressed his enjoyment of Milo Ventimiglia's portrayal of Hayden—Rachel's ex-boyfriend—and was impressed by how Britt Lower skillfully integrated humorous details. According to Fienberg, the actors' performances made several drawn-out segments easier to watch.

Sam Worthington's prisoner appearance in the series. Photo: Netflix

Currently, the series is generating debate in film forums. On Metacritic, many viewers commend the series for its meaningful content, talented, and engaging cast. However, many also believe that some issues in the series are not satisfactorily resolved.

"As long as you don't mind mysterious details that don't make sense, a common issue with Coben, and aren't bothered by overly contrived artistic intentions, then 'I Will Find You' is still an interesting series," a review by critic John Anderson in The Wall Street Journal stated.

The series might not offer viewers a cohesive detective work, but it could appeal to fans of crime, mystery, and psychological thrillers. The plot is dramatic enough for a seamless watch, emotional enough to keep viewers engaged after each twist, and poignant enough to transform the search for a child into a story about faith, paternal instinct, and the limits of truth.

Thao Uyen (according to Forbes, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter)