Writer says ITV thriller was crafted to avoid portraying women’s massacre

ITV has launched a new six‑part crime thriller titled “The Dark,” set against the stark backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. The series follows the investigation of a serial killer who targets young men in remote wilderness areas.

The story opens with the discovery of a naked teenage body, staged in a hauntingly deliberate manner. Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy, portrayed by Laura Donnelly, leads the hunt to prevent further murders and protect a tight‑knit community.

Adapted from GR Halliday’s novel “From the Shadows,” writer Matt Hartley selected a male victim to explore a different facet of vulnerability. He noted that focusing on a young man challenges conventional expectations of victimhood in the genre.

Hartley emphasizes the theme of youthful independence gone tragically awry, questioning how a community reacts when a seemingly resilient demographic disappears. The narrative probes the social dynamics that emerge when a young man vanishes.

Visually, the series draws on the atmospheric intensity of acclaimed crime dramas, employing the rugged landscape to heighten tension. The production aims to blend the moody tone of earlier works with a distinctly British sensibility.

Laura Donnelly’s DI Kennedy confronts a masked antagonist described as a “ghostly presence” that intermittently appears before fully revealing his menace. The killer’s unsettling anonymity adds a layer of psychological dread to the investigation.

Hartley anticipates that viewers will attempt to piece together clues before the final reveal, though he cautions against becoming engrossed in fan speculation. He believes the mystery should retain its impact without external interference.

Before moving to prime‑time drama, Hartley honed his writing on long‑running soaps, gaining experience in character development and serial storytelling. He acknowledges that crafting original characters for “The Dark” required a fresh creative approach.

The series constitutes the first installment of a planned trilogy, with the sequel promising a distinct crime narrative. Production details regarding additional seasons remain undisclosed.

“The Dark” premieres on ITV1 at 9 p.m., with the full series accessible via the network’s streaming platform.