‘The Dark’ Season 1 Review: A Haunting Crime Drama Set in the Scottish Highlands

‘The Dark’ is a British crime drama that expertly utilizes fog, silence, and a troubled lead detective to create a gripping narrative. The six-part ITV series features Laura Donnelly as DI Monica Kennedy, who is called to investigate the body of a young man found deliberately staged in the Scottish Highlands. Adapted from GR Halliday’s novel, the show arrives with a quiet confidence that indicates a strong understanding of its source material.

While the premise—a predator on the loose in a tight-knit community—may seem familiar, ‘The Dark’ elevates itself by treating this setup as merely a starting point. Monica soon discovers that the victim’s older brother vanished years ago, transforming the investigation into something much colder and more personal than a simple search for a killer.

Donnelly’s performance is a standout, portraying Monica with a controlled, flinty intelligence that avoids the tired clichés often found in detective roles. Her guarded demeanor conveys a sense of personal cost, making her character feel deeply layered. This performance is built on restraint, a challenging feat that resonates throughout the series.

Mark Rowley complements her well as DC Connor Crawford, infusing warmth into a role that could easily have become a mere sidekick. Their partnership develops organically through moments of trust, rather than forced conflict, making it one of the series’ more rewarding aspects across its six episodes. Helen Baxendale, portraying a mother connected to the case, brings a raw authenticity that never veers into melodrama.

The Scottish wilderness serves as more than just a backdrop; it plays a crucial role in the narrative. The empty roads, isolated farms, and dense woodlands contribute to the community’s vulnerability, while the unpredictable weather acts almost as a character itself, enhancing the atmosphere of dread rather than merely decorating the scenes.

Donnelly has expressed her attraction to the project due to its emphasis on character over gore, stating that the emotional relationships were more significant to her than the crime mechanics. This focus is evident on screen, as the supporting cast feels more like real individuals with complex lives rather than mere plot devices.

However, the series does face some pacing issues. With six episodes to unfold its mystery, there are moments where the show prioritizes atmosphere over action, which may test the patience of viewers seeking a fast-paced thriller. Even so, the strong atmosphere remains a consistent highlight.

Ultimately, ‘The Dark’ succeeds in many areas, steering clear of the genre’s tendency towards gratuitous violence against women. Instead, it builds its tension from themes of grief, guilt, and the ominous landscape that can consume individuals. Donnelly’s performance anchors the series, making the slower moments worthwhile.

As a complete season, this confident and atmospheric crime drama trusts its actors and setting over shock value, and it largely earns that trust. I rate it 8 out of 10, as it knows the kind of tension it wants to create and takes its time to achieve it.

Have you watched ‘The Dark’ yet? Does Monica Kennedy rank among your favorite TV detectives? Share your thoughts in the comments.