The 2019 BBC murder mystery series Dublin Murders has experienced a remarkable resurgence, catapulting to the number three position on Netflix's coveted top 10 series chart. This surge in popularity comes just days after the streaming giant quietly added the Irish crime drama to its extensive library earlier this week, demonstrating its immediate appeal to a broad audience.
A Compelling Crime Drama Finds New Life
Starring acclaimed actors Sarah Greene, known for her roles in Bad Sisters and The Death of Bunny Munro, and Killian Scott from Kaos and Trespass Against Us, the series follows detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox. These investigators work for an elite murder squad operating on the outskirts of Dublin, delving into complex and haunting cases.
Based on Bestselling Novels
The twisty and atmospheric series is adapted from the celebrated novels of Tana French, a New York Times bestselling crime author. Dublin Murders creatively weaves together plots from two of French's most popular books: In The Woods and The Likeness. The official BBC synopsis sets the stage: 'When a young, talented ballerina is found dead on an ancient stone altar, her death drags up another tragedy that befell this community years before – when three children disappeared into the local woods and only one returned.'
Creator's Vision and Critical Reception
At the time of the program's original release, show creator Sarah Phelps shared her deep connection to the source material with the BBC. 'I loved every sentence. I was very compelled and drawn into the world of each individual character,' Phelps revealed. She elaborated on the lead characters, noting, 'This case will unpeel the thing that they have in common and share, the pact they have made with each other. It is something tragic and highly personal that has dogged them all of their adult lives. This story is about how they are going to be able to get on with the serious, difficult dirty business of just living with it.'
The series currently holds a solid seven out of ten rating on IMDb. Viewer Clea Gall awarded it full marks, praising it as 'one of the best crime shows out there' and calling it a 'gripping mystery.' Another viewer, Natbro96, noted that the show gets you 'hooked from the first episode.' However, some critiques have emerged regarding the narrative conclusion, with reviewer Niall Mulligan rating it six out of ten for what was described as an 'unresolved plot.'
Availability and Streaming Details
Dublin Murders is now widely accessible for streaming on both Netflix and BBC iPlayer, offering viewers multiple platforms to experience this critically engaging crime drama. Its sudden ascent on the Netflix charts underscores the enduring appeal of well-crafted mystery series and the power of streaming platforms to reintroduce compelling content to new audiences.
