A chilling Irish drama that has achieved the rare feat of a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes has captivated Netflix audiences with its dark humour and unexpected twists. Obituary, the series that first debuted two years ago, has made its highly anticipated return this October with a second series that continues the macabre story of an unconventional obituary writer.
The Sinister Plot Unfolds
The series stars Siobhán Cullen, known for her role in Bodkin, as the compelling lead character Elvira Clancy. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of County Donegal, the story follows Elvira, a 24-year-old who develops an unusual fascination with mortality through her work as an obituary writer for a local newspaper.
When the publication faces financial difficulties, Elvira's employment situation takes a dramatic turn. Her boss informs her he can no longer keep her on the regular payroll, instead offering payment per obituary written. This change triggers a dark transformation in the young woman, whose existing obsession with death takes a terrifying new direction.
The narrative takes its first shocking turn when Elvira "accidentally" kills a troublesome local resident. Rather than being horrified, she discovers an unexpected bloodlust and begins to relish her new-found calling. She develops increasingly clever methods to eliminate the town's less desirable inhabitants, carefully crafting each death to appear accidental.
A Cat-and-Mouse Game Begins
Elvira's murderous activities don't go entirely unnoticed for long. The newspaper hires a new crime correspondent with a particular interest in conspiracy theories, who quickly becomes suspicious about the unusual frequency of deaths in the community. This sets the stage for a tense cat-and-mouse game between the two journalists.
The series has received widespread critical acclaim since its release. TIME magazine drew comparisons to other successful shows, noting: "Imagine Dexter meets Bad Sisters, with a chilling yet somehow quite likeable lead performance from Cullen, and you won't be far off."
Entertainment platform Pajiba added their praise, describing Obituary as "one delightful, properly Gothic and somewhat disturbing first season of TV, as in, I really hope we have more seasons of this gem."
Audience Reception and Series Two Developments
Viewers have enthusiastically endorsed the critics' opinions, awarding the show its perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many have described the series as "captivating" and "binge-worthy," with one fan commenting: "I found this show to be captivating. With a small tidbit of humour, the storyline kept me coming back and thriving to binge till the end."
Another viewer praised Siobhán Cullen's performance, stating: "Siobhán Cullen is awesome as the lead. Dark and clever with a few interesting backstories which keep you watching." A third simply noted: "Can't recommend this enough. Great characters and with a great twisting storyline."
The newly released second series sees Elvira grappling with her father's death by returning to her murderous ways. The plot thickens when another serial killer emerges in the same town, creating additional complications and raising the stakes for all involved.
Filmed entirely in County Donegal, the series benefits from its authentic Irish setting, which adds to the atmospheric tension and distinctive character of the show. The combination of dark comedy, psychological thriller elements, and Cullen's compelling performance has created a unique viewing experience that continues to attract new fans.
Obituary is available to stream exclusively on Netflix, offering British audiences the opportunity to discover this critically acclaimed Irish production that successfully blends murder, mystery and dark humour into a truly original narrative.
