The critically acclaimed ITV thriller Coldwater, featuring stars from The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, is attracting a major new audience after landing on the streaming service Paramount Plus.
A Gripping Tale of Masculinity and Secrets
The series, which first aired on ITV, is led by Andrew Lincoln, best known as Rick Grimes. He plays John, a man grappling with past trauma who moves his family from London to the fictional Scottish village of Coldwater for a quieter life. However, his new role as a stay-at-home dad soon breeds resentment.
His wife, Fiona, is portrayed by Indira Varma – currently starring alongside Tom Hiddleston in the BBC's The Night Manager. The family's pursuit of peace is shattered when John befriends their charismatic neighbour, Tommy, played by Ewen Bremner. This friendship pulls John into a web of unsettling events and chilling secrets.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Praise
Since its arrival on Paramount Plus, the show's reputation has soared. It currently holds an impressive 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers and critics alike praising its unique blend of tension and dark humour.
Fans have flooded social media with acclaim, with one hailing it as a "thrilling masterpiece" and predicting BAFTA success for Lincoln. Another praised the "incredible writing" from David Ireland and the spectacular performances, particularly from Varma and Eve Myles, who plays Tommy's wife, Rebecca.
Viewers have described the series as "brutal, funny, tongue-in-cheek", "edge of the seat viewing", and "absolutely gripping".
Personal Connections and Universal Themes
Indira Varma has revealed that the show's exploration of family dynamics and gender roles resonated with her personally. "I was brought up by a working mother, my dad looked after me," she explained, noting that the series delves into the expectations placed on both men and women in modern society.
She was also intrigued by the central theme of a long-term marriage, questioning, "how dark are you prepared to go to save it?" This emotional core, combined with a suspenseful plot, is what has captivated audiences.
The official synopsis sets the tone: "This is the story of a normal man, in a normal marriage, who finds himself in a far from normal situation. A man who discovers a newfound sense of his own power, right at the moment he falls under the influence of someone incredibly dangerous."
Coldwater is available to stream for free in the UK on ITVX and on Paramount Plus.
