The Beast Must Die

The Beast Must Die, a BritBox original series from 2021, is a compelling, suspense-filled drama set in the backdrop of picturesque Isle of Wight. The story is a contemporary adaptation of the 1938 novel of the same name by British author Nicholas Blake, pseudonym of poet Cecil Day-Lewis. The series masterfully modernizes the quintessential British detective story, balancing between the archetypal murder mystery genre and an emotionally charged tale of loss and redemption.

The series dives into a heart-wrenching narrative revolving around a grief-stricken mother, Frances Cairns, convincingly portrayed by Bafta Award Winning Actress, Cush Jumbo. Frances spirals down a path of vengeance after she loses her only son in a tragic hit-and-run incident where the perpetrator is never found or brought to justice. With a cold case and no hope for justice served, she reinvents herself, takes the law into her own hands, and decides to infiltrate the life of the prime suspect. As she embarks on this relentless pursuit, viewers are invited to share her anguish and root for her, making her an unconventional yet sympathetic protagonist.

The potential suspect is George Rattery, essayed by the talented actor Jared Harris. George is a wealthy, enigmatic character living a seemingly perfect life. As the layers peel off, the viewers are led into a world full of complexity and sinister undertones. George may appear genteel to the outside world but exudes a sense of trepidation that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making his character captivatingly multifaceted.

Thrown into this action-packed narrative, is Detective Inspector Nigel Strangeways, portrayed by Billy Howle. The character is a haunted man carrying the burdens of his own throughout the series. His determination to catch the culprit gives the viewers an insight into the ‘traditional detective’ perspective, creating an interesting dichotomy between the law's procedural workings and a tempted foray into vigilantism.

The Beast Must Die weaves a complex, intense tale of vengeance that probes into the human psyche. It succeeds as a gripping thriller, continually dropping clues, twisting the plot, and keeping you guessing about the outcome until the very end. Yet, it also deliberately slows down at times to fully explore the raw emotional journey of its characters, making for a riveting watch.

The series is punctuated by a brilliant performance from its cast. Jumbo’s impeccable portrayal of Frances keeps viewers empathetic towards her cause, while Harris's icy demeanor as Rattery is both alluring and unsettling. Howle's role as Strangeways adds a level of complexity with his emotional depth and nuanced performance.

Also worth noting is the show’s wonderful cinematography. The scenic beauty of Isle of Wight, with its sprawling landscapes and tranquil beaches, serves as a stark contrast to the devastating emotional turmoil unfolding within its characters. The series deftly uses the location to enhance the atmospheric suspense, culminating into a near-poetic visualization.

At its core, The Beast Must Die is much more than a detective story. It questions morality and ethics, explores the lengths a mother can go to for her lost child, and comments on the societal imbalances that heavily influence law and order. While it is set to provide for some spell-binding television, it does so without holding back on the reflection upon profound human emotions and the complexity of the human existence.

In summary, The Beast Must Die is a thrilling emotional journey disguised as a murder mystery. Its strong narrative, remarkable performance, and captivating visuals make it a standout series that should not be missed for the world. The series admirably fulfills the promise of BritBox to deliver 'distinctively British, creatively excellent’ drama, making it a must-watch for fans of British crime, mystery and drama television.