On the outskirts of Dublin, a chilling darkness takes hold in a gripping murder mystery. The series, born from the acclaimed novels of bestselling author Tana French, unravels a complex web of secrets and long-buried trauma.
Viewers are now discovering – or rediscovering – this atmospheric thriller, which originally premiered in 2019. The show has quickly garnered a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its brutal honesty and compelling performances.
Critics have echoed the sentiment, describing the series as “atmospheric, often terrific, never dull” and a “satisfyingly dark and twisty crime thriller.” The show’s unique approach to the genre has earned it a 79% “fresh” rating from reviewers.
At the heart of the story lies a profound connection between two detectives, portrayed by Sarah Greene and Killian Scott. Their relationship, described by creator Sarah Phelps as a deep friendship devoid of romantic entanglement, is the emotional core of the investigation.
The narrative draws from two of French’s celebrated novels, *In The Woods* and *The Likeness*, intertwining their intricate plots into a single, haunting narrative. The cases force the detectives to confront not only the darkness surrounding them, but also the shadows within themselves.
While titled *The Dublin Murders*, much of the series was filmed amidst the stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland, including the evocative Tollymore Forest – a location familiar to fans of *Game of Thrones* and *Dracula Untold*. Filmmakers even recreated 1980s Ireland in the village of Drumaness, adding layers of authenticity to the period setting.
Sarah Phelps, the show’s creator, was captivated by French’s work, drawn to the psychological depth of the characters and the unsettling nature of the mysteries. She reveals the series explores a shared, tragic past that binds the two detectives together, a secret that has haunted their lives.
Greene, who portrays one of the lead detectives, described the filming experience as “pretty heavy,” acknowledging the emotional toll of immersing herself in such dark material. The actors worked with a consultant to understand the realities of police work, learning to navigate the emotional complexities of investigating violent crimes.
The series delves into the difficult realities faced by detectives – the grim task of examining crime scenes, the emotional detachment required, and the heartbreaking responsibility of delivering devastating news to grieving families. It’s a raw and unflinching portrayal of those who confront darkness every day.
