If 'The Assassin' Hooked You, This 97% RT Thriller Will Keep You Guessing

A Unique Take on the Amnesia Genre

After experiencing the twists and betrayals of The Assassin, you might be looking for another high-stakes thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Enter The Tourist, a BBC-produced series that has earned a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This show transforms the typical amnesia trope into something tense, unpredictable, and unforgettable.

The story follows Elliot (Jamie Dornan), an Irishman who wakes up in Australia with no memory of who he is or why he's there. He was hit by a massive truck, and now he must piece together his past while being hunted by mysterious villains. The audience is kept on edge as the series constantly subverts expectations, making it a compelling watch from start to finish.

By presenting the amnesia narrative through Elliot’s eyes, the show heightens the anxiety and explores deeper themes such as love, trust, and self-acceptance. It goes beyond surface-level aesthetics and offers a more emotional and thought-provoking experience.

A Refreshing Approach to Romance and Representation

One of the standout aspects of The Tourist is its departure from traditional action genre tropes. Instead of featuring the usual slim, sexy femme fatale, the show introduces a more relatable and diverse cast. While Elliot meets Luci (Shalom Brune-Franklin), a character who fits the classic action star love interest mold, the real romance of the series is between Elliot and Helen (Danielle MacDonald).

Helen is a police officer in a small Australian town where Elliot finds himself. She is the only person outside of the hitmen who genuinely wants to help him. We first meet her at a weight loss meeting, where her struggles with self-image are evident. Her fiancé, Ethan (Greg Larsen), constantly belittles her for being curvy, which contrasts with her kindness and beauty.

Elliot recognizes this in her, and their relationship develops through shared moments of vulnerability and connection. From laughing over Mexican food to discussing their feelings of purposelessness, their bond feels genuine and heartfelt. This makes their relationship far more engaging than the typical snarky exchanges seen in other action films.

Keeping the Mystery Alive

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Tourist is how little is revealed about Elliot’s true identity. The show avoids dramatic irony, keeping the audience on the same page as the protagonist. The only glimpse we get of Elliot before his amnesia is a brief scene showing him as a cocky and funny man on a mission. This limited information adds to the suspense and keeps viewers engaged throughout the series.

As the plot unfolds, shocking reveals about Elliot’s past challenge the audience’s perception of his character. These revelations make viewers question whether they should continue rooting for him or if his amnesia has given him a fresh start. This complexity adds depth to Elliot’s character arc and makes the series even more compelling.

Colorful Antagonists That Keep the Momentum High

While the slow-burning mystery may not appeal to everyone, The Tourist maintains its momentum through its entertaining and terrifying antagonists. One of the most memorable characters is Billy Nixon (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson), a hitman with a deep Southern accent and a brutal nature. He comes across more like a Terminator than a regular villain, with one scene showing him taking multiple hits and continuing forward despite being thrown down a well.

Behind Billy are larger threats such as Kostas (Alex Dimitriades), a drug lord who frequently takes LSD and is ready to shoot anyone who crosses him. These characters add layers to the world of the show and keep the tension high.

Potential for a Third Season

With two seasons already released, The Tourist ends on a major twist that leaves viewers eager for more. Jamie Dornan, the lead actor, mentioned in a 2024 interview with Entertainment Weekly that he is "very busy," but there have been discussions about a potential third season. If it happens, fans will want to catch up on the current episodes to stay informed.

With its unique narrative structure, touching themes, and intimidating antagonists, The Tourist is a series worth binge-watching for those who enjoy great drama. It’s available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.