It’s a mystery how a high-quality BBC mini-series like this pretty much snuck under the radar, but it’s not too late to enjoy it, in a creepy kind of way.
Really. Just look at the pedigree: a handsomely photographed semi-historical ghost story, reminiscent in style and form of The Woman in Black or The Quiet Ones, adapted from a novel by the well-respected British writer, the late James Herbert (read The Rats sometime, scare yourself silly). And the cast – good god, every time a new character is introduced, it’s somebody you already know and love. Look, it’s Maisie Williams from Game of Thrones, looking as weird-beautiful as ever! Look, it’s Ian De Caestecker, Fitz from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., being earnest and entirely convincing. Oh my God, it’s David Warner! Friggin’ David Warner, from Tron and The Omen and Time After Time and Time Bandits. Friggin’ Evil from Time Bandits! He has a knowledge of digital watches! And there in the middle of it, the glowing presence of Olivia Cooke of The Quiet Ones and Bates Motel, just takin’ the place over and leaving a hell of an impression.
Yes, it’s a haunted house story, but it’s also about serious issues: child abduction, child abuse, a mother’s love and grief, obsession and bravery. And it’s one of those rare three-part mini-series that doesn’t sag in the middle or blow it in the pay-off. A little sentimental? Sure. But if you like those soulful British haunted house story, pulled from a country with a deep and rich history of tragedy and triumph… can’t go wrong.
Really. Just look at the pedigree: a handsomely photographed semi-historical ghost story, reminiscent in style and form of The Woman in Black or The Quiet Ones, adapted from a novel by the well-respected British writer, the late James Herbert (read The Rats sometime, scare yourself silly). And the cast – good god, every time a new character is introduced, it’s somebody you already know and love. Look, it’s Maisie Williams from Game of Thrones, looking as weird-beautiful as ever! Look, it’s Ian De Caestecker, Fitz from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., being earnest and entirely convincing. Oh my God, it’s David Warner! Friggin’ David Warner, from Tron and The Omen and Time After Time and Time Bandits. Friggin’ Evil from Time Bandits! He has a knowledge of digital watches! And there in the middle of it, the glowing presence of Olivia Cooke of The Quiet Ones and Bates Motel, just takin’ the place over and leaving a hell of an impression.