The Dark Review: Gothic Crime Drama Offers Chilling Antidote

The six-part thriller "The Dark," based on GR Halliday's "From the Shadows," premiered this week, presenting a gothic crime drama set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. The series opens with a mysterious man transporting a body, establishing an immediate sense of dread. The investigation is led by DI Monica Kennedy, played by Laura Donnelly, who uncovers a complex web of intrigue. The show's atmosphere, characterized by frequent gloaming and dreich weather, is described as a chilling antidote to warm temperatures, evoking a cold finger of dread for viewers.

The series is noted for its stylish execution and its ability to create a creepy, suspenseful narrative. The visual storytelling, including a drone shot revealing the victim's body laid out in a desolate landscape, contributes to the unsettling tone. The narrative unfolds as a murder investigation, drawing viewers into the mystery and the bleak, atmospheric setting of the Highlands. The show aims to be both fun and deeply chilling, a combination that sets it apart.

"The Dark" aired on ITV1 and is available for streaming on ITVX. The review highlights the show's effectiveness in creating a palpable sense of unease and suspense, making it a compelling watch for fans of crime dramas with a darker, more atmospheric edge. The gothic-lite approach, as described, successfully blends genre elements to create a unique viewing experience that is both engaging and unsettling.