BBC viewers weary of conventional police procedurals but craving a truly chilling television experience have a forgotten hidden gem awaiting their discovery. A supernatural drama series, released nearly a decade ago, is being hailed by dedicated fans as potentially the "scariest ever made" by the broadcaster.
A Haunting Premise
The six-part series, titled Requiem, first aired in 2018. It follows the story of Matilda Gray, a profoundly talented cello player portrayed by Lydia Wilson. Her life is shattered when her mother, Janice, commits suicide. This tragic event occurs just as Matilda is on the verge of relocating to New York to advance her promising music career, bringing all her plans to an abrupt and devastating halt.
Journey into Darkness
Instead of heading to America, Matilda finds herself drawn to a remote and eerie small village in Wales. She is determined to trace her mother's mysterious past and understand the reasons behind her sudden death. This quest leads her down a deeply unsettling path, intertwining her personal grief with the historic, unsolved disappearance of a young local girl.
As Matilda begins to investigate this cold case, she starts to unearth a series of dark, long-buried secrets. The narrative suggests that some truths are perhaps better left concealed, creating a pervasive atmosphere of dread and suspense throughout the series.
Stellar Cast and Production
Filmed across various atmospheric locations in Wales, Requiem boasts an impressive ensemble cast. The role of Janice is played by the acclaimed BAFTA-winning actress Joanna Scanlan. Joel Fry, known for his roles in Plebs and Cruella, appears as Matilda's close friend, Hal Fine.
The supporting cast further strengthens the production, featuring notable talents such as Tara Fitzgerald, James Frecheville, Sian Reese-Williams, Claire Rushbrook, and Richard Harrington. This collective acting prowess adds significant depth to the complex characters and the haunting storyline.
Availability and Critical Reception
While the series is no longer available on BBC iPlayer, all six episodes remain accessible for streaming on Netflix. The platform's synopsis encapsulates the plot: "In the wake of a sudden tragedy, a London cellist unearths secrets that link her mother to the disappearance of a young girl in a small Welsh town."
The show holds a respectable rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. It currently boasts an audience score of 56 percent, with a slightly higher critics' score of 73 percent, indicating a generally positive reception from professional reviewers.
Viewer Reactions: Praise and Critique
Fan reactions to Requiem have been passionately divided, contributing to its cult status. Many viewers have showered it with high praise. One reviewer emphatically credited the series as the "scariest BBC drama ever made." Another admirer gushed, "Brilliant! Well written, attractive storyline, great acting and directing. Lovely British scenery as well."
Further endorsements highlight its appeal to genre fans. "If you like creepy British mysteries, this is way up there on my list," one viewer penned. A fourth added succinctly, "Creepy fun. Definitely binge worthy!"
Divisive Elements
However, not all feedback has been glowing. Some viewers have criticised the show's pacing and narrative structure. One disgruntled viewer commented, "This could have been a MUCH shorter series....so much filler going on. It has me wondering what’s going on, but I’m not blown away by it all."
Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Meh. Too many gaps, too long in the development of the story, too many unanswered questions..." These critiques point to a divisive element in the storytelling, which some found slow and others found meticulously suspenseful.
Despite these mixed opinions, Requiem endures as a compelling piece of supernatural television. For audiences seeking a psychological thriller with a gothic atmosphere and a strong Welsh backdrop, this nearly forgotten series offers a uniquely chilling alternative to mainstream crime dramas.
