From Darkness

Airing on BritBox in 2015, From Darkness is a gripping psychological crime drama that immerses viewers in the intricate world of a woman forced to confront her past when it gruesomely resurfaces in her present. The show offers a compelling showcase of high-stakes mystery, powerful emotion, and complicated relationships against the backdrop of Scotland's atmospheric landscapes.

The riveting storyline revolves around Claire Church, the former Manchester police officer, brilliantly portrayed by Anne-Marie Duff. Claire left the chaotic, danger-clad life in the city, fleeing to the remote Western Isles of Scotland to escape her turbulent past and find equilibrium. She hoped to leave behind her haunting experiences and the lives that were destroyed by failed investigations left unresolved, one of which was a case involving a serial killer that started her downward spiral.

Claire's life in Scotland is a stark contrast to her former life in bustling Manchester. Living away from the hectic city, she finds a semblance of peace in her quiet, rustic dwelling with her partner, Norrie, and her daughter, Megan. It's a seemingly normal existence, far removed from the nightmares of her past career.

Yet, her peaceful life is shattered when two detectives from her past, John Hind, played by Johnny Harris, and Philip Hind, played by Luke Newberry, arrive at her doorstep. They seek her expert input on a recently discovered body in Manchester linked to an unresolved case from the 90s. The detectives represent the chapters of her previous life, one that she hoped had been sealed off for good.

Reluctantly, Claire finds herself drawn back into the sinister underbelly she left behind. The return to Manchester and her encounter with the unfinished ghost of the serial killer case forces her to reconcile and fight her deeply ingrained fear. The once forgotten anxieties and traumatic memories begin to resurface, unveiling a darker, grim reality that Claire must now confront.

The dynamic between Claire, John, and Philip creates a complex narrative packed with suspense, tricky alliances, and veiled intentions. As the detectives navigate the old haunting case, they must also delve into the demons from their past, causing personal and professional lives to clash. Claire's return to a city overflowing with painful memories meticulously unravels the past's impact on the present, exposing the unhealed wounds festering beneath the surface.

From Darkness skillfully treads the fine line between a challenging crime mystery and a deep-rooted psychological drama. It combines the thrill of unmasking a killer with the exploration of the human psyche under extreme stress as Claire grapples with her fear, guilt, and past mistakes. The unraveling of Claire's internal turmoil and the murder mystery together make for an intriguing blend of emotion and suspense.

Mesmerizing performance by Anne-Marie Duff as Claire further elevates the drama's gripping plotline. Her portrayal of a woman wrestling with her fears while maintaining her staunch determination is commendable. Duff's ability to convey Claire's inner turmoil and resiliency gives depth to the central character and an emotional edge to the storyline.

Johnny Harris as John portrays a terse, hardened detective, providing the perfect foil to Claire's emotionally charged character. Luke Newberry as young, earnest detective Philip brings a different dynamic to the show, exploring the delicate balance between personal loyalty and professional commitment.

The intense drama is filmed against Scotland's lush, brooding landscapes that provide a fitting backdrop for this crime thriller. The picturesque beauty, coupled with the show's dark theme, creates an appealing contrast and successfully enhances the series' overall impact.

Directed by Dominic Leclerc, From Darkness started with a four-episode arc that left viewers breathless and intrigued. This enigmatic crime drama blends the elements of both a traditional thriller narrative and a psychological study on fear and repression into a beautifully haunting tale that's both engrossing and thought-provoking.

From Darkness is not just a murder investigation drama, it is also a deep dive into the psychological impact of past traumas and how they shape, define, and consume the present. It delivers on all fronts, offering suspenseful crime narratives, emotionally charged performances, and dramatic cinematic landscapes. It’s undoubtedly a must-watch for anyone looking for a gripping, emotionally charged crime drama with a strong psychological depth.