The new six-part British crime drama "The Dark" presents a chilling portrayal of a serial killer stalking the Scottish wilderness, offering a viewing experience described as "fierce and satisfying as neat malt whisky." Adapted from G.R. Halliday's novel "From the Shadows," the series centers on Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy, played by Laura Donnelly.
DI Kennedy, a single mother, navigates a bleak, remote rural setting that the drama renders as "brutally cold and damp as it is murderous." The series eschews the picturesque tourism often associated with Scottish settings, instead focusing on a grim atmosphere. "The Dark" introduces taxidermy as a thematic element, with a stuffed bear near the entrance of a bleak Scottish hostelry, The Thistle Moor, setting a tone that signals "this is not a pub for soft southerners."
The narrative follows Kennedy as she investigates a series of murders. The killer's victims are found naked and posed in ways that suggest occult rituals. The review notes the unsettling depiction of the first discovered corpse, a teenage male found on a ridge with his hands outstretched as if in prayer. The series also includes a particularly frightening scene where a barworker named Rob is paralyzed by a masked assailant. "The Dark" is characterized by its grim tone, with the reviewer noting that "nothing about The Dark will leave you anxious to book a weekend break in the Highlands."
Laura Donnelly's portrayal of DI Kennedy is highlighted, with her character described as taciturn and seemingly having upset many people. The review offers a glimpse into Kennedy's sharp personality through a scene where her daughter, Lucy, handles a perceived threat with unnerving confidence, stating, "Monsters are scared of me." This suggests a deeper complexity to the detective and her family.
"The Dark" received a rating of four out of five stars, positioning it as a compelling choice for fans of "nasty noir."