The words 'small town' immediately bring images of hearth, home, and family to mind; unless of course the small town in question is the English suburb of Broadchurch. From 2013 to 2016 viewers spent three seasons among the citizens of this seemingly sleepy town and uncovered a web of secrecy, betrayal, and loss lying just beneath its picturesque surface. What begins as a murder mystery quickly spirals into a journey into the darkest depths of humanity as neighbors, friends, and families find themselves confronted with evil in their midst. Thought provoking, heart breaking, pulse pounding, and impossible to predict, Broadchurch is more than just a first rate crime drama, it's an eerie reflection of the darkest places within both our communities and ourselves.
The story begins with the calm of suburban life shattered when the body of eleven year old Danny Latimer is found on a beach in Broadchurch. The disturbing discovery turns sinister when local police determine that Danny's death was not a tragic accident, but murder. An investigation is quickly launched with local detective Ellie Miller and her recently arrived boss, Alec Hardy, forming a reluctant team. At first, the two clash as Miller refuses to consider that any of her friends or neighbors could be suspects while Hardy views each of the town's residents with suspicion. As the investigation unfolds, however, it becomes clear that all is not as it appears in Broadchurch and not everyone is who they appear to be.
Broadchurch elevates the modern crime drama to new heights as it expands its scope beyond the crime itself to chronicle its devastating impact. The series deftly portrays the ways in which tragedy upends an entire community and pits it against itself as the police conflict with the press, neighbors clash with one another, and even families begin to question their loyalties. The depiction of the Latimer family as they journey through the anguish of grief is nothing short of wrenching and serves as an apt reminder of the void that remains long after a crime is solved. Although the series is structured as a murder mystery at its heart it is a character study, and therein lies its strength. Broadchurch focuses less on action than reaction as it gradually unfolds and reveals fresh insight into each of the town's troubled residents with every new clue. In this way, the series ensures that viewers will invest in and empathize with each member of the ensemble cast and highlights the ways in which the effects of a crime ricochet throughout a community. Even as viewers learn more about the diverse cast of characters, however, the central mystery remains just out of reach and leaves viewers guessing until the final, devastating, reveal. Through its expert writing and superb performances Broadchurch is guaranteed to leave viewers nearly as haunted as its residents.
The story leaps off of the screen thanks to the work of its brilliant cast. Carolyn Pickles, Jonathan Bailey, and Vicky McClure lend depth and humor to their roles as local journalists Maggie, Olly, and Karen while aptly highlighting the ways in which ambition can cloud even the best reporter's judgment. Charlotte Beaumont and Adam Wilson tackle their roles with a raw emotion that belies their young ages as they depict the conflicting emotions of Danny's best friend and sister. Pauline Quirk and Joe Sims lend intrigue, dry wit, and menace to their performances as local recluse Susan and family friend Nige. Arthur Darville conveys warmth and empathy as Broadchurch's vicar. David Bradley perfectly balances newsstand owner Jack's gruff exterior with his inner torment. Matthew Gravelle infuses his performance as Ellie's husband with depth, intelligence, and charm. Jodi Whittaker and Andrew Buchan are perfectly cast as Danny's parents and portray the couple's descent into grief with a realism that is nothing short of haunting. Even in the midst of the talented ensemble cast, however, David Tennet and Olivia Colman shine as Detectives Miller and Hardy. Tennet's socially inept but professionally brilliant Hardy and Colman's ambitious but idealistic Miller act as ideal foils to one another and are guaranteed to go down as one of the best crime duos in television history.
Through its unflinching portrayal of a murder and the destruction left in its wake Broachurch sets itself apart as a crime drama with both a mind and an aching heart. Through its skillfully written script the series transports viewers into both the modern English suburbs and the universal depths of human nature. The nuanced performances bring each of the series' complex characters to such vivid life that they are certain to remain on viewers' minds long after all of their secrets are revealed. For unforgettable viewing pay a visit to Broadchurch.
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