Down Cemetery Road opens with explosive drama
In a surprising twist against the backdrop of a seemingly tranquil Oxford suburb, a deafening explosion disrupts the ordinary lives of its residents, setting the stage for Apple TV’s latest thriller, Down Cemetery Road, reports BritPanorama.
The opening episode features a compelling performance by Ruth Wilson as Sarah Tucker, an art conservationist whose life is derailed during a dinner party when the explosion occurs in a neighbouring garden. In stark contrast, Emma Thompson portrays Zoë Boehm, the punkish private investigator whose character lends the series its title.
As the story unfolds, Sarah learns that the explosion has causalities; a young girl named Dinah is taken to the hospital, while her mother tragically does not survive. This sets Sarah on a quest for answers, leading her to the private investigation firm run by Zoë. Their contrasting personalities suggest a partnership ripe with conflict and potential.
The tension escalates with scenes showcasing a Ministry of Defence figure, known only as C, reprimanding his team for their reckless actions in a university town. His threat to a colleague, Hamza, over a “piss fountain” created by their incompetence injects dark humour into the storyline, albeit at the expense of subtlety.
The script by Morwenna Banks balances levity and complexity but offers little in the way of exposition. Instead, it opts for a slow build, establishing nuanced characters and the intricate connections between them, revealing a simmering tension beneath their middle-class facades.
While the lack of clarity may deter some viewers, the premiere concludes with a gripping cliffhanger, successfully generating intrigue. The combination of star power and unfolding drama positions Down Cemetery Road as a series worth following in weeks to come.
Down Cemetery Road continues next Wednesday on Apple TV
