Apple TV+ has released a gripping British thriller adapted from Mick Herron's debut novel, 'Down Cemetery Road,' now streaming as a companion piece to the acclaimed 'Slow Horses' series. The eight-episode drama stars Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson in a captivating Oxford-set mystery filled with explosions, conspiracies, and Herron's trademark dark humour.
Plot Overview
The story begins in a seemingly peaceful Oxford suburb, where a quiet evening is shattered when a house suddenly explodes. That same night, a young girl goes missing. Local resident Sarah Tucker, played by Ruth Wilson, quickly becomes convinced the two incidents are connected. Unable to let it go, she turns to private investigator Zoë Boehm, portrayed by Emma Thompson, a woman haunted by her own inner demons. Together, they unravel a complex web of secrets, discovering that people thought dead are alive while others are being killed at an alarming rate.
Star-Studded Cast
The series boasts a formidable ensemble cast, including Adeel Akhtar as Hamza, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Downey, Tom Goodman-Hill as Gerard, and Darren Boyd as C. Oscar-winner Emma Thompson leads as the brilliant but troubled investigator Zoë Boehm, while Golden Globe-winner Ruth Wilson portrays the tenacious neighbour Sarah Tucker.
Comparisons to Slow Horses
Given Mick Herron's reputation for sharp espionage storytelling, comparisons to 'Slow Horses' are inevitable. However, 'Down Cemetery Road' offers a distinct experience. Ruth Wilson told TV Insider: 'It gets mad as it goes on and gets more wild and dangerous, and the landscape changes... It's a road movie and an odyssey for these two characters, and through it, they're finding things out about themselves as they go.'
Critical Acclaim
The original novel received substantial praise. Audiofile Magazine noted: 'Mick Herron skillfully weaves a complex story with interesting snippets of current events... This is the perfect choice for those who like to analyze many layers and false starts as a story unfolds.' The Guardian added: 'A not-to-be-missed treat... Herron's incisive portraits are as pitch perfect as ever.'
'Down Cemetery Road' is now streaming on Apple TV+.
