For most, when we think of taking maternity leave, we instantly think of it as a time rest and recovery and bonding with your newborn baby. However, Netflix's latest TV series The Replacement explores the ultimate nightmare scenario surrounding this.
The psychological thriller sees a woman take her maternity leave only to come to the slow realisation that the woman she hired to cover for her, is slowly attempting to take over her life, both professionally and personally.
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Eight years since it's release, Netflix is now streaming the three-part series which currently holds the third spot for Netflix's most watched TV programmes in the UK and Ireland.
During an interview with the BBC, the show's director Joe Ahearne revealed the inspiration behind the show's creation. 'Women get attacked from every side when they make decisions about how to manage the change in their life. Whatever decision they make is challenged and dissected. [A pregnant woman on maternity]It's the perfect landscape for paranoia and suspense.'
Below, we detail everything that there is to know about the series, including the plot, cast and characters.
What Is The Plot Of The Replacement?
As per BBC's logline of the plotline is as follows: 'Ellen gets unexpectedly pregnant just after landing a big contract for her architects' practice. She hopes to be away for the shortest time and hires someone to cover the gap. Paula is the same age as Ellen but already has a ten year old daughter. She made the opposite life choice, took a big chunk of her career out to dedicate herself full time to her child.
'As Paula shadows Ellen for the last months of her pregnancy, she at first seems the perfect hire - enthusiastic, personable, super-competent. But Ellen soon begins to worry Paula has another agenda. Paula refuses to believe Ellen when she says she plans to return in a couple of months. She's confident Ellen will change her mind when she falls in love with her baby. Ellen thinks that maybe Paula doesn't want her back. Ever.
Who Is In The Cast Of The Replacement?
The Replacement sees Vicky McClure star as Paula, a talented architect looking to get back into the industry. Previously, McClure has starred in a number of successful TV shows and films including This Is England, Line Of Duty, Trigger Point and Broadchurch.
Starring alongside McClure is Morven Christie, who plays Ellen, an architect getting ready to go on mat leave. The Scottish actor is best known for featuring in The A Word, Grantchester and The Bay.
Other cast members include Richard Rankin as Ellen's husband Ian Rooney, Dougray Scott as David Warnock, Neve McIntosh as Kay Gillies and Navin Chowdhry as Paula's husband, Kieran.
How Many Episodes Of The Replacement Are There?
There are three episodes of the The Replacement.
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