Des

Des, a riveting mini-series from Amazon, is based on one of the most infamous cases in UK criminal history, which stunned the nation and made headlines worldwide. The 2020 series, produced by ITV Studios and New Pictures and aired on Amazon's video-on-demand platform, brings the gruesome story of notorious serial killer, Dennis Nilsen, to life.

The chilling and suspenseful crime-drama series unfolds over three explosive episodes, garnering rave reviews for its atmospheric and unsettling portrayal of real-life events. The show delves deep into the heart of darkness, illuminating the depths of human depravity while highlighting the relentless pursuit of justice.

Named Des, an abbreviation of Dennis, the show primarily focuses on the character of Dennis Nilsen. Played masterfully by David Tennant, who imbues the character with a creepy calm and unsettling charm, Nilsen was a British civil servant working in London, living an outwardly ordinary life. He was convicted in 1983 for killing 15 boys and young men between 1978 and 1983, making him one of the UK’s most murderous serial killers. The series does an incredible job of exploring the mind of the criminal, offering viewers a disturbing glimpse into the psyche of a killer disguised in the mundane.

The drama begins in February 1983, when Metropolitan police discover human remains causing the investigation into Dennis Nilsen to start. The series unravels from there, gripping viewers with a fascinating portrayal of Nilsen's arrest and trial. The narrative effectively balances between detailing Nilsen's gruesome deeds and the studious police work led by Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay, cast excellently by Daniel Mays, and biographer Brian Masters, brought to life by Jason Watkins.

Des also explores the relationship between Nilsen and Masters, who wrote the book Killing for Company, on which the series is loosely based. The quasi-relationship between Nilsen and Masters lends an extra layer of intrigue to the show, as it dissects the blurred lines between criminal psychology, media portrayal, and societal reaction to such horrifying crimes. Their interactions offer an eerie insight into the reasoning and motivations behind Nilsen's heinous acts.

One of the series' most brilliant aspects is its refusal to glamorise the crimes or the criminal itself. Instead, the focus is put firmly on the investigative process, the impact on the victims' families, and the societal climate that allowed such horrific crimes to go unnoticed for so long. This human-centric approach sets the show apart, making it not just a true crime tale, but a stark commentary on society and the dangers of normalising predatory behaviour.

Des successfully achieves its purpose of drawing viewers into its grim narrative, thanks to the superb performances from the lead actors, and the exceptional writing and direction. David Tennant's astounding transformation into the notorious serial killer steals the show, his expressionless facade and chilling disconnect from his grisly actions sending shivers down the spine of the viewers.

Daniel Mays delivers a solid performance as the dogged investigator, while Jason Watkins impresses in his portrayal of Brian Masters, who finds himself drawn to the dark allure of Nilsen's perpetuated horror. The dynamic interplay between these three actors forms the riveting heart of the series.

Beyond the thrill of detective work and courtroom drama, Des explores broader themes, such as Nilsen’s search for notoriety, the need to understand the dark recesses of the human mind, and the role of media and public opinion in shaping perceptions of crime and punishment. This haunting, thought-provoking series does more than retell the horrifying story of a serial killer; it scrutinises the psyche of a murderer, the intricacies of the justice system, and the impact of such chilling events on society at large.

In conclusion, Des is a gripping and unsettling dive into the horrors of one of Britain's most notorious murderers, packed with excellent performances and taut storytelling. While its dark subject matter may not be for everyone, those with a predilection for true crime dramas will find this series a blend of terrifying reality and compelling drama that's difficult to turn away from. Viewer discretion is highly recommended due to its mature content and depiction of disturbing themes.