Remember Me

Remember Me is an intriguing three-part supernatural drama series that aired in 2014 on PBS's acclaimed Masterpiece brand. The mini-series, filmed in Yorkshire and Scarborough, England, offers a gripping narrative interwoven with eerie atmosphere and compelling characters. It relies heavily on British northern seaside locales, providing a visually heightened experience that complements the darker elements of the story.

The story unfolds with Tom Parfitt, an 80-something-year-old Yorkshireman, surprisingly deciding to leave his own home and enter a nursing home. Upon arriving at the home, a seemingly simple act sets off a chain of chilling, inexplicable events. The intriguing narrative leaves the audience constantly questioning the world they’ve entered.

Remember Me introduces us to a largely solitary, frail yet stubborn retiree played by the incredibly talented Michael Palin. Palin is a former member of the Monty Python comedy troupe, a far cry from his character here, delivering one of his finest dramatic performances. You can't help but hang onto every word of his character while he unravels his enigmatic world. Tom, despite his frailty, has a mysterious strength that seems to be fed by the very fear he instills in those around him.

The miniseries features a tightly knit ensemble and another compelling character, Hannah Ward, portrayed by Jodie Comer. Hannah is a caring employee at the Scarborough-based elderly home where Tom resides. Through Hannah, we engage more deeply in the tale as she becomes consumed by Tom’s mysterious past and embarks on a mission to uncover the truth.

Mark Addy, playing Detective Rob Fairholme, also provides a solid performance. Initially assigned to the sudden death that occurred during Tom's residence relocation, he soon finds himself grappling with an unexplained series of events. Although skeptical and sarcastic, Detective Fairholme proves crucial as he starts questioning the odd irregularities that surround Tom.

As the haunted house theme suggests, the series is not without its spooky elements. It starts out as a slow burner, gradually picking up the pace and deepening its mysterious ambiance. However, Remember Me is more than just a ghost story. It explores aspects of memory, the past, and how they shape us. It drives into the psyche of its characters, questioning their interpretation of reality and the depths to which they’ll go to understand the truth.

Additionally, the series does well in portraying the cultural aspects of Yorkshire, incorporating the unique characteristics of Northern English towns and cities in both character and setting. The dialogue is full of local phrases, the buildings are stark and sturdy, and the color palette is made up of lots of grays, evoking the chilly northern seaside weather.

The masterful cinematography and direction contribute further depth to the series, enhancing the story's dramatic aspects. The mood and tone maintained throughout the series is notably eerie, and the clever use of sound design keeps viewers on edge. Even the series' theme, the rendition of the old folk song Scarborough Fair, contributes to the overall ghostly atmosphere, haunting the series and refusing to leave your mind hours after you’ve stopped watching.

Writer Gwyneth Hughes, known for her brilliance in the crime genre, has done a commendable job of blending elements of mystery, horror, drama, and noir. She has etched a vivid storyline that is glued together with strong acting and captivating visual storytelling.

In conclusion, Remember Me is a multifaceted ghost story that intrigues viewers with its compelling narrative, exceptional acting, unique cinematographic experience, and chilling soundtrack. Through its eerie ambiance and excellent performances, it negotiates fear, childhood trauma, and the complex world of adult responsibilities. This is not a series for those looking for quick satisfaction but rather, for viewers who relish the suspense of a slow-burn drama with a hauntingly beautiful narrative unfolding one step at a time. By the end, the audience is left pondering memory, trauma, and what ghosts may represent in human life.