ITV viewers are hooked on The Dark, a chilling Scottish Highlands thriller that has been described as 'so bloody good' and 'mind-blowing'. The six-part series, starring Outlander actress Laura Donnelly, has won over audiences with its eerie atmosphere, tense storyline and shocking twists.
Streaming now on ITVX
The series is available to stream for free on ITVX. Since premiering on ITV in July, viewers have hailed it as a must-watch, with many admitting they couldn't stop watching.
Based on G.R. Halliday's debut novel From The Shadows, The Dark follows Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy after the body of a young man is discovered carefully staged in the remote Scottish wilderness.
A hunt for a serial killer
What begins as a murder investigation soon spirals into a desperate hunt for a serial killer, with fear and suspicion spreading through the rural community as residents realise the murderer could be hiding among them.
The official synopsis reads: "When the body of a young man is found eerily staged in the idyllic Scottish wilderness, detective Monica Kennedy fears this is just the beginning of a terrifying campaign that will strike the heart of a rural community."
"As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realise that there is a serial killer hidden amongst them."
It adds: "With her experience of dealing with the darkest of humanity Monica Kennedy quickly becomes entangled in a heightened game of cat and mouse with a cunning killer. Only she can stop this monster before he claims any more victims."
"But when her own history creeps up on her, she begins to lose trust in her own judgement. Will it be her own actions that are the biggest risk to herself and her family?"
Cast and filming locations
Laura Donnelly leads the cast as DI Monica Kennedy, while Karen Pirie actor Mark Rowley plays her new police partner DC Conor Crawford. They are joined by Tunji Kasim, Helen Baxendale and Emun Elliot.
Although the drama is set in the Highlands, much of the filming took place across Glasgow and Greenock last year. Speaking to the Mirror, actor Emun revealed that the series deliberately avoids the perfect postcard image of the Highlands.
He said: "Often rural Scotland can be romanticised. You know, you get these big vistas of the hills and the rows and the lochs and whatnot, but this really shows a different side to that, and I think the experience of making it reflects the story."
Critical and fan reception
The Dark has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The Guardian awarded it three out of five stars, describing the series as: "A cold finger of dread will run up your spine as you watch this tale of a Highlands murder investigation."
Viewers have also taken to social media to share their verdicts. One fan on X wrote: "Binged the new Scottish cop thriller The Dark on ITV over the last few days - SO, so bloody good! Recommend!!"
Another stated: "Dark is truly a mind F**K. But this show is amazing. The writing, the casting, the acting, EVERYTHING." A third penned: "I enjoyed it but the end of the first episode was so scary I loved it."
Meanwhile one viewer warned: "Anyone looking for something to watch ITVX The Dark is good! If thrillers scare you and live alone maybe watch in daylight hours."
The Dark is available to watch on ITVX.
