What Remains

What Remains is a captivating British crime-drama series from 2013, featuring chilling plotlines and intriguing character narratives that will grip viewers from the start. The show, set in London, exudes an air of mystery, enthralling viewers with its expert plot manipulations and engrossing setting.

The narrative unfolds in 11 Melton Place, a Victorian-era house converted into four flats. The once magnificent but now dilapidated building is the epicenter of the series, holding countless secrets within its aged and weathered walls. This old, tired castle of stories serves as a perfect setting, enhancing the atmospheric tension and bringing to life the complex, layered characters whose lives interconnect within its boundaries.

The series begins when Michael Jenson (Russell Tovey), a primary school teacher, and his partner Vidya Khan (Amber Rose Revah), a heavily pregnant and tenacious journalist, move into the building. They discover a hidden and unseen loft compartment where they make a gruesome discovery: the decomposed body of Melissa Young, a resident who had apparently gone missing two years earlier.

Naturally, the case piques the interest of Detective Len Harper (David Threlfall) who is just mere weeks away from his retirement. Despite being encouraged to leave the case for his successors, he cannot let go of its haunting layers of mystery. Thus, Harper devotes himself to unraveling the secrets behind Melissa Young's unnoticed disappearance and inexplicable death, revealing layers of suspicion, secrecy, and hidden truths amongst the residents of Number 11.

The tenants of this curious house comprise an interesting mix of idiosyncratic characters, creating a realistic microcosm of society. There's the seemingly perfect couple, Elaine (Indira Varma) and Peggy (Victoria Hamilton), who hide a strained relationship behind closed doors. Kieron (Steven Mackintosh), the overtly friendly yet unnerving music teacher, is another resident. Completing the uneasy ensemble is Joe (Alexander Arnold), a troubled teenager with a love for loud music, and his Aunt Liz (Jessica Gunning), a doggedly cheerful plus-sized model.

As Harper delves deeper into this cold case, we get a glimpse into the lives of these complex characters. Each episode intricately peels back a layer, revealing the true nature of these individuals and their relationships. They all have secrets, which juxtaposed alongside Harper's meticulous investigative journey, keep viewers engaged and on edge.

What draws viewers further into these peculiar domestic intricacies is the show's gifted ensemble of onscreen talent. Standouts include David Threlfall, who portrays the role of Detective Harper with remarkable gravitas and sublime understatement. His seasoned and performance brilliantly portrays Harper's relentless pursuit of justice. Russell Tovey, Amber Rose Revah, Indira Varma, Victoria Hamilton, and Steven Mackintosh also deliver credible, intense performances that not only fuel the mystery but further enrich the compelling narrative threads.

Along with the several plot threads, What Remains showcases the writer's ability to tackle emotionally profound themes like isolation, connection, and the nature of domesticity with finesse and subtlety. This melodramatic narrative works in unison with the crime-drama elements, resulting in a well-balanced series that offers suspense, emotion, and intrigue equally.

One of the notable aspects of the series is its remarkable cinematography. The camera work effectively captures the eerie grandeur and gloomy atmosphere of the derelict manor house. Combined with the moody weather and bleak London streets, it sets a perfect stage for a classic whodunit mystery with a modern twist.

Tom Shankland's adept direction, combined with Tony Basgallop's astute writing, has created a taut drama that expertly straddles the line between frightful horror and poignant drama. This four-part series deftly exposes the seemingly banal everyday lives of the tenants, creating an anxious environment where strained smiles hide sinister secrets.

What Remains is a thrilling whodunit with a modern day character-driven twist that puts a weighty spotlight on human nature and the secrets we keep. Its compact narrative progression and compelling character arcs will hold viewers' attention, making them wonder and hypothesize on the details until the final revelation. This is a must-watch for viewers who enjoy mysteries that delve deep into the grimy shadows of humanity, where every corner promises intrigue and suspense.