The Mosquito Coast

In the hands of Neil Cross, the writer and producer best known for the cult-favourite British cop show Luther, this Mosquito Coast is a new beast entirely. What began life as an allegorical adventure-fantasy about American exceptionalism and decline — and stayed that way in the 1986 film starring Harrison Ford — is now an action thriller of the slowly unfolding, tastefully photographed variety. The story, through the first season’s seven episodes, is a Mexico-set narco-noir in the foreground and a deep-state American conspiracy puzzler in the background, closer in spirit to Robert Stone than to Paul Theroux.

The biggest change is in Allie. Instead of the charismatic, cranky and increasingly crazy visionary who voluntarily uproots his family in search of a paradise in the Honduran jungle, we get something more TV-ordinary — a mystery man, hiding from the government, whose past remains murky (facilitating possible future seasons). Forced to flee the country with his wife and two teenage children, this new Allie exhibits can-do MacGyver-like practical skills, though they are significantly reduced from the book, as are his ruthlessness and his propensity for “the world is going to hell” rants. As played, with an affable low-key intensity, by Justin Theroux, he has the affect of a slightly sociopathic soccer dad.

Release date

April 30, 2021

Studio

Fremantle

Cast

Justin Therouxas ( as Allie Fox ), Melissa Georgeas ( as Margot Fox ), Logan Polishas ( as Dina Fox ), Gabriel Batemanas ( as Charlie Fox )

Developed by

Neil Cross, Tom Bissell

Writer

Neil Cross

Directors

Rupert Wyatt, Jeremy Podeswa, Natalia Beristain, Tinge Krishnan, Claire Kilner

Executive Producers

Neil Cross, Rupert Wyatt, Ed McDonnell, Bob Bookman, Alan Gasmer, Peter Jaysen, Paul Theroux, Justin Theroux

EPISODE 7

The Glass Sandwich  

The Foxes are forced into a crisis that will either bring them back together or tear them apart forever.

Premiere Date: June 4, 2021

EPISODE 6

Calaca

Held captive by a shadowy organization, Allie and Margot must find a way to escape and get back to their kids. Premiere Date: May 28, 2021

Premiere Date: June 4, 2021

EPISODE 5

Elvis, Jesus, Coca-Cola  

Arriving in Mexico City, the Fox parents attempt to connect with Allie’s mysterious contact while the kids get into trouble.

Premiere Date: May 21, 2021

EPISODE 4

Bus Stop  

The Foxes seek refuge in an opulent hacienda, where a family’s all-powerful matriarch sees them as pawns in her own game.

Premiere Date: May 14, 2021

EPISODE 3

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere  

With the Feds closing in on them, the Foxes and Chuy must cross the desert on foot—and face adversity both natural and man-made.

Premiere Date: May 7, 2021

EPISODE 2

Foxes And Coyotes  

The Foxes enlist the help of two coyotes who promise to take them across the U.S. border into Mexico.

Premiere Date: April 30, 2021

EPISODE 1

Light Out  

When the U.S. government finally tracks them down, the off-the-grid Fox family flees to begin a new life.

Premiere Date: April 30, 2021