Crime drama fans waiting for Shetland to return need look no further for their next fix. While awaiting the BBC favourite's comeback, From Darkness presents the perfect alternative to quench your appetite for gripping detective fiction.
What Is From Darkness About?
Anne-Marie Duff (Bad Sisters) stars as Claire Church, a former Greater Manchester police officer seeking a fresh start in the remote Western Isles with her partner Norrie and their daughter Megan. Yet peace proves difficult to come by when four bodies connected to her former cases emerge, dragging Claire back into the dangerous world of criminal investigation, according to the Mirror.
The BBC synopsis elaborates: "Claire Church decided to turn her back on a world of misogyny and chauvinism, where it seemed you had to think and act like a man to succeed. Finding herself ignored in the office and second place in her relationship with her married DI, Claire instead found solace in the remote Western Isles with her new man, Norrie, and daughter Megan."
It continues: "As four bodies from Claire's past investigations are unearthed, she finds herself getting pulled back into a world she'd long since left behind and a case that only she can solve. Battling her own demons, Claire feels the dual pull of a vocation that sustained her and a man she once loved, but can she protect herself from the darkness this time?"
Critical Reception and Viewer Reactions
When it first aired in 2015, the series sparked considerable debate amongst viewers, with many swift to hail it as "gripping" and "very dark." On social media, one viewer posted: "#FromDarkness @BBC another brilliant drama from the Beeb! Keep 'em coming," while another commented: "Ab Fab TV. Dark, compelling, structured, all the things @BBC does well!!"
The Guardian described the drama as "intriguing." Meanwhile, The Telegraph recognised that while Anne-Marie Duff delivered a "compelling" performance, the series "had to work hard to detract from familiar concept."
Cast and Where to Watch
Appearing alongside Anne-Marie Duff is Johnny Harris (Legends) as John Hind, Richard Rankin (Rebus) as Norrie Duncan, and Luke Newberry (In The Flesh) as Anthony Boyce. Caroline Lee Johnson (Chef!) as Lola and Ben Batt (Toxic Town) as Chris Templeton, Lyndsey Marshal (Restless) as Lucy Maxley, and Jim Cartwright (Little Voice) as Roy Marsh. Leanne Best (This City Is Ours) as Julie Hind, Naomi Ryan (Doctor Who) as Rosanna Templeton, and Cora Tsang (Outlander) as Megan Duncan also star.
From Darkness is available to stream on U and Channel 4 now.
