In Apple TV+’s psychological thriller/drama, The Crowded Room, Tom Holland leads his first limited series. He plays Danny Sullivan, a man who is arrested following his involvement in a shooting in New York City in 1979. Holland also serves as an executive producer in this captivating thriller, in which he stands opposite Amanda Seyfried, who plays the curious interrogator, Rya Goodwin, determined to uncover the truth. Through a series of interviews and flashbacks, Danny’s life story unfolds, revealing his mysterious past that shaped him and what led to the surprising incident that changed his life forever.

The Crowded Room, in all its mysterious storytelling glory has a great deal going for it. Even from the opening sequence, the series is capable of locking you in on intrigue alone. We first meet Holland’s Danny Sullivan on a train, anxiously awaiting his stop and carrying a brown paper bag. After his companion Ariana (Sasha Lane) urges him to look a little less fearful while also reassuring Danny that he “doesn’t have to do this,” they march off the train and up the steps to find their target. Then, mayhem ensues. You may not be able to understand what’s going on and why they are in this predicament early on, but the fluid storytelling is compelling, nonetheless.

While it’s clear that there is a crime that must be solved with each episode, the underlying theme of mental health runs rampant throughout. As the season progresses, the script unravels information about Danny’s well-being, even though it tends to drag because of episode-long flashbacks, showcasing similar scenes from different vantage points. However, with more clues revealed in time, every episode is compelling and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The showrunners make an incredible effort to showcase the long-lasting effects of trauma and poor mental health in a way that will sink your heart. It may be a familiar story, but its one told with the utmost sincerity and tenderness.

In addition to Holland’s Danny, the series highlights mental health through Seyfried’s Rya. She’s a young investigator and professor whose curiosity often gets the best of her. A new divorcee and single mother, Rya struggles with balancing her home duties with the case that emotionally drains her on a daily basis. This characterization is incredibly useful in The Crowded Room’s storytelling, showing that mental health and well-being comes in all shapes and sizes. And it’s effective how the script handles a working mother’s perspective versus that of Holland’s Danny, whose memory fails him at the most inopportune times. Simply put, it’s great storytelling and offers a great depiction of the importance of self-care even when it’s not centered on a classified disorder.

The Crowded Room has exceptional production value. The series is set in the early 1970s, and it does not let you forget it. From the costuming and color grading to the music incorporated in each episode, the series is capable of pulling you into its world. The set designs are realistic, and the cinematography is stunning. If not for the story and acting, these technical elements are certainly worth spending an hour watching every week.

Without revealing key pieces of information, it’s important to note that this is the kind of storytelling that many TV series often lack. For example, while the series takes its time disclosing plot twists and important details, it is adequately paced to keep you guessing, and more importantly, coming back for me. Even better, there are hints sprinkled throughout every episode that could reveal exactly what’s going on and enable viewers to put the pieces of the puzzle together. And even though some characters get more screen time than others and less backstory as a consequence, it all adds up by the end, leaving plenty of room for intrigue and surprise that will certainly induce an emotional reaction.

It almost goes without saying, but the character of Danny is quite a heavy load for any actor to take on. But when you look at what Tom Holland is able to accomplish in the role, and even with some limitations within the script, he almost makes it look easy. That’s the power of fantastic acting. This may have been Holland’s first lead role in a TV series, but he commands every minute of each episode, eliciting a plethora of emotions from his viewers like a true veteran. It almost doesn’t feel adequate to say that Holland is exceptional in this role. But trust me when I say this is another exquisite performance from the actor.

A riveting series on the impact of long-lasting trauma and poor mental health, The Crowded Room is emotionally-gripping television at its finest. The story explores these concepts through two characters on the opposite sides of the law with realism and authenticity. Backed by a career-defining performance from Holland, who makes everyone around him just as incredible, the limited TV series is the kind of show you do not want to miss. And though it tackles gut-wrenching topics and triggering content, this project will make you walk away from it valuing the professionals who do all they can to ensure that those suffering the most can get the help they truly deserve.

The first 3 episodes of The Crowded Room are now streaming on Apple TV+. The subsequent episodes will be released weekly.