Review: 'Nocturne' Offers a Chilling Serial Killer Thriller on Apple TV+

Apple TV+ adds to its roster of original series with "Nocturne," a psychological crime thriller set to premiere on October 30. Based on Lars Kepler's novels "The Sandman" and "Lazarus," the series delves into the infamy surrounding serial killer Jurek Walter, portrayed by Stephen Graham.

Created by Rowan Joffé and co-showrunner John Hlavin, "Nocturne" explores themes of manipulation, deception, and the lengths individuals will go to for perceived righteousness. Jurek Walter, accused of multiple homicides and abductions, is imprisoned in a psychiatric hospital. The investigation reignites when Michael Frost, one of the siblings Jurek is suspected of taking, reappears years later. This prompts former detective Jonah Lynn, played by Liev Schreiber, to return to the case that deeply affected him.

To uncover the whereabouts of Michael's sister, Felicia, and understand Jurek's continued influence from behind bars, Jonah enlists FBI Agent Saga Bauer, portrayed by Zazie Beetz, to go undercover. On the outside, Jonah, alongside Chief Dave Ellison (Bill Camp), Officer Nathan Pollack (Gary Carr), Agent Alexandra Quinn (Poorna Jagannathan), and a task force, race to outmaneuver the enigmatic killer.

Stephen Graham delivers a notable performance as Jurek Walter, a character who subverts expectations by employing psychological warfare rather than brute force. Graham's portrayal captures a manipulative individual who preys on others' vulnerabilities. Rory Culkin appears as Karl, Jurek's nurse, whose compassion becomes a point of exploitation, creating a compelling dynamic between the two characters.

Liev Schreiber embodies Jonah, a detective haunted by grief and his history with the case. Zazie Beetz takes on the dual role of Saga Bauer, undertaking a challenging undercover operation. Poorna Jagannathan plays Agent Quinn, a mother navigating her own custody battle, whose warmth and parental insight aid the investigation. The ensemble cast also includes Chrissy Metz as Ida, the mother of Michael and Felicia.

The series draws comparisons to "The Silence of the Lambs" and other crime dramas, though book fans may note alterations in the adaptation, such as the setting and Jurek's background. The narrative unfolds with flashbacks to provide context while multiple present-day mysteries are pursued, which can occasionally lead to an overwhelming plot.

Despite some narrative complexities, "Nocturne" is described as a suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller. The first two episodes are available on Apple TV+ on October 30, with subsequent episodes released weekly.