Channel: Netflix
Criminal:UK is the most unique police procedural series that we’ve come across in a long time. It is a masterclass of how superb writing and incredible acting can create a suspenseful and intense drama. There are no guns and no high speed police chases. We do not see the crime taking place. Ninety-nine percent of the show takes place within a single room, and that is all this anthological series needs.
What’s it about
Criminal:UK is about a unit of the British Metropolitan Police who specialize in interviews and interrogation. The crime has already been committed. Now, it’s a psychological game of cat and mouse between the police and the suspects to get to the truth. Despite limitations in setting, we still get comprehensive character development and complications. Once again, this is a testament to the sheer brilliance of the performances.
Fans of British television will easily recognize some of the primary cast from other shows. Katherine Kelly (Coronation Street, Mr. Selfridge) for example heads the team as DCI Natalie Hobbs. Other familiar faces among the primary cast are Mark Stanley (Game of Thrones) and Rochenda Sandall (Line of Duty)
But for me, it is the guest performances that steal show. Each episode is a new case with a new suspect. This means that these actors have slightly more than 40 minutes per season to produce a memorable performance, and that is exactly what they do. Guest stars include David Tennant (Broadchurch, Dr Who), Hayley Atwell (Captain America, Avengers) and Kit Harrington (Game of Thrones). However, there were two stand out performances for me. Sophie Okonedo (Ratched) is incredible as the wife of a serial killer and Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) sheds every trace of the comedy that made him famous to portray a terrifying psychopath. Both Okonedo and Nayyar deliver masterpiece performances in the power of simplicity. They convey a plethora of emotions through a simple raise of the eyebrow, a pause in speech or a nervous smile. It is the intimacy of their acting that causes the audience to shudder.
In addition to Criminal:UK, the production company behind the series have developed three other spin off shows: Criminal:France, Criminal:Spain and Criminal: Germany. We haven’t watched these shows and therefore can not review it.
This is a brilliant show with a unique format. If you strictly a fan of corpses, blood and fast paced pursuits, then this show might not be what you’re looking for. But it is a show we absolutely loved and would recommend for anyone interested in quality crime drama.
Rating: 3.5/5