Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

From Darkness

From Darkness is a psychological drama miniseries that aired on in 2015, consisting of four episodes centered on a former confronting a haunting case from her past. The series follows Claire Church, portrayed by , who has retreated to a peaceful life in the remote Western Isles with her partner and daughter after leaving the force amid unresolved guilt over unsolved murders of sex workers. When four bodies linked to that old investigation are unearthed on a building site, Claire is drawn back into the fray by her former colleague, DCI John Hind (Johnny Harris), forcing her to revisit the darkness she sought to escape. Written by Katie Baxendale and directed by Dominic Leclerc, the series blends elements of mystery and thriller, exploring themes of redemption, trauma, and the lingering impact of professional failures in law enforcement. The narrative unfolds across contrasting settings: the stark, windswept isolation of the Scottish Western Isles and the gritty urban landscape of , heightening the tension between Claire's attempted new beginning and her inescapable history. Premiering on 4 October 2015, From Darkness received mixed reception for its atmospheric and strong lead performance by , though critics noted its reliance on familiar crime drama tropes such as the brooding ex-cop and tense partnerships. It holds an IMDb user rating of 5.6 out of 10 based on 1,766 votes as of November 2025, reflecting a polarizing response to its pacing and plot resolutions. Despite not garnering major awards, the series received nominations including for the RTS Craft & Design Award for Best Music, Original Titles (2016), and has been praised for its evocative portrayal of Scotland's rugged coastline and its unflinching look at the emotional toll of unsolved cases on police officers.

Production

Development

Katie Baxendale served as the creator and sole writer of From Darkness, marking her first original commission for BBC One. Prior to this project, Baxendale had established herself in television writing through her work as co-creator and lead writer on the Channel 4 comedy-drama series Sugar Rush (2005–2006), an adaptation of Julie Burchill's novel that earned an International Emmy Award for Best Children & Young People Programme, as well as contributions to shows like Playing the Field and London Bridge. The series originated from a two-page pitch developed during a BBC Writersroom seminar aimed at encouraging more women to write dramas, where Baxendale explored her personal fears of and its psychological impact. This concept was quickly picked up by Drama North, with development producer Simon Judd assisting in refining the script into a four-part psychological centered on the lingering experienced by a retired . The project was formally commissioned by in 2014, with executive producers Oliver Kent and Hilary Martin overseeing its progression from initial outlines to full scripts. Development accelerated following script approval in mid-2014, culminating in the greenlight announcement on August 22, 2014, and the transition to by late that year. Production preparations, including casting announcements such as in the lead role, were underway by early 2015, setting the stage for filming to commence in March of that year.

Casting

In March 2015, the BBC announced that Anne-Marie Duff would star as Claire Church, the former police officer at the center of the psychological thriller From Darkness. Duff, known for her intense dramatic roles in series such as Shameless and The Virgin Queen, was selected for her ability to convey emotional depth and complexity, making her a fitting lead for the character's internal struggles. Further casting announcements followed later that month, with Johnny Harris cast as DCI John Hind, Claire's former colleague and lover who heads the murder investigation; as Norrie Duncan, Claire's husband; and as Superintendent Lola Keir, the senior officer overseeing the case. The ensemble was rounded out with supporting actors including as DS Anthony Boyce, a junior detective assisting in the inquiry; as Megan, a key figure in the unfolding events; as Mark, providing familial context; and as Chris Templeton, contributing to the narrative's interpersonal dynamics.

Filming

Principal photography for From Darkness commenced in March 2015, with filming taking place in and under the direction of Dominic Leclerc. The production was handled by Productions, led by producer Helen Ziegler in her debut role, alongside executive producers Hilary Martin, head of Drama North, and Oliver Kent; additional key crew included director of photography Polly Morgan, production designer , line producer Susan Dunn, costume designer Ian Holmes, and make-up designer Samantha Marshall. Filming locations contrasted the protagonist's past and present lives: urban areas, including sites in , captured the gritty crime scenes tied to her former career, while rural western provided the escapist backdrop for her current existence. Specifically, scenes set in the Western Isles were shot on the mainland in , such as the village of Tayvallich on the shores of Sween south of , to evoke the remote island setting without logistical complications. This choice of mainland locations stemmed from the Western Isles being considered too remote for efficient crew operations, prompting criticism from local representatives for overlooking authentic island filming opportunities. The script by Katie Baxendale shaped these selections to underscore the thematic divide between oppressive urban grit and liberating natural openness.

Plot and Episodes

Overall Synopsis

From Darkness is a psychological that follows Claire , a former Greater Manchester Police officer who has relocated to a remote in the Western Isles of seeking a peaceful life away from her troubled past. The narrative centers on her reluctant involvement in a reopened from her time on the force, triggered by the discovery of additional bodies connected to unsolved murders she once investigated. This inciting event forces Claire, portrayed by , to confront lingering shadows from her professional history alongside her current life with family, including interactions with her former colleague DCI John Hind. The series delves into profound themes of and the enduring guilt stemming from past professional failures, particularly in the context of high-stakes policing. It explores the blurred boundaries between personal sanctuary and the inescapable pull of , highlighting how unresolved cases can infiltrate and disrupt one's attempt at . These elements underscore the emotional toll of , emphasizing over procedural spectacle. Structured as a four-episode miniseries, employs a non-linear format, interweaving present-day developments with flashbacks to Claire's 1990s investigations to gradually build . This approach sustains a slow-burn tension characteristic of its tone, blended with crime drama conventions, creating an atmosphere of brooding isolation amplified by the Scottish island setting. The overall arc traces Claire's internal journey as she navigates the resurgence of from her history, without resolving into typical tropes.

Episode Summaries

The four-episode miniseries aired on on Sundays at 9:00 pm: Episode 1 on 4 October 2015, Episode 2 on 11 October 2015, Episode 3 on 18 October 2015, and Episode 4 on 25 October 2015. Episode 1 introduces peaceful life on a remote in the Western Isles and her initial contact regarding an old unsolved case from her time as a in . In Episode 2, Claire returns to , where the discovery of a new murder linked to the past case pulls her deeper into the investigation. Episode 3 sees the probe intensify, with emerging suspicions about a potential survivor from the original crimes leading to a tense confrontation. The series concludes in Episode 4 with a climactic buildup of theories suggesting multiple perpetrators, culminating in a desperate effort to avert additional harm.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Anne-Marie Duff stars as Claire Church, a former grappling with the psychological aftermath of her past experiences in , who has retreated to a remote island life only to be drawn back into an . Duff, an English actress born in 1970, rose to prominence with her BAFTA-nominated portrayal of Fiona Gallagher in the series (2004–2005), where she depicted a resilient single mother navigating family chaos, earning acclaim for her raw emotional depth in dramatic roles. Her performance in From Darkness builds on this reputation, showcasing her ability to convey inner turmoil and quiet intensity in character-driven thrillers. Johnny Harris plays DCI John Hind, Claire's former colleague who heads the active police investigation, bringing a commanding presence to the procedural elements of the series. Harris, born in 1973, is a BAFTA-nominated English actor known for his naturalistic intensity in roles that explore moral ambiguity, as seen in his breakthrough performance in the film London to Brighton (2006), where he portrayed a complex criminal with understated menace. His work in From Darkness highlights his skill in embodying authoritative yet haunted figures, drawing from a career that includes gritty television appearances in series like Hustle and The Fades. Richard Rankin portrays Norrie Duncan, Claire's supportive partner on the isolated island, offering emotional grounding amid the escalating tension. Scottish actor Rankin, born in 1983, gained a rising international profile following his role as Roger MacKenzie in the Starz series Outlander starting in 2016, which showcased his versatility in historical dramas and contributed to his growing recognition beyond UK television. Prior to From Darkness, he had built a foundation in Scottish sketch comedy with Burnistoun (2012–2014), demonstrating his range from humor to more serious characterizations. Caroline Lee-Johnson appears as Superintendent Lola Keir, the overseeing authority in the police hierarchy who navigates the dynamics of command and collaboration during the case. Lee-Johnson, a actress trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, is recognized for embodying strong-willed professionals, notably as Janice Blackstock in the BBC comedy-drama Chef! (1993–1996) and Diane Ralston in The Knock (1994–2000), roles that established her as adept at portraying figures of institutional power. In From Darkness, her depiction underscores tensions in leadership structures within narratives.

Supporting Cast

Luke Newberry portrays Detective Sergeant Anthony Boyce, DCI John Hind's partner in the investigation, whose contrasting investigative style and background as an graduate introduce procedural tension and differing approaches to the case. Lyndsey Marshal plays Lucy Maxley, a deeply traumatized and isolated individual from the past whose emotional volatility and quest for justice add layers of personal and psychological complexity to the unfolding subplots. Adrian Rawlins depicts Gareth Harding, a property developer with a philanthropic facade, whose connections to historical events and willingness to bend rules contribute to suspicions and revelations in related storylines. Ben Batt embodies Chris Templeton, a suburban family man harboring a dark secret from his university days, whose reemergence ties into past incidents and heightens the interpersonal conflicts within the narrative. Leanne Best appears as Julie Hind, the poised of DCI John Hind and to their sons, whose domestic life and subtle strains provide insight into the personal toll of the investigation on the central figures.

Reception

Critical Response

From Darkness received mixed reviews from critics, who frequently praised lead actress Duff's compelling performance as Claire Church, a former grappling with her past, while noting the series' atmospheric tension and character-driven elements. highlighted the show's intriguing plot and strong performances, describing it as "well performed" with Duff's portrayal adding emotional depth, though critiquing her character's frequent "starey" moments as excessive. Similarly, The Arts Desk commended Duff's ability to convey a woman by ghosts through her physicality, emphasizing the series' focus on emotional responses to trauma rather than exploiting female victims. Critics often faulted the series for its derivative plotting, drawing comparisons to Scandinavian thrillers like The Killing and The Bridge, as well as British dramas such as The Fall and Happy Valley, arguing it lacked a distinctive identity amid a crowded genre. The Telegraph noted that while the drama gained momentum through Duff's presence, it struggled to escape familiar tropes like the reluctant ex-cop pulled back for "one last case." Pacing issues emerged as a common complaint, particularly in later episodes, with The Killing Times describing the narrative as a "head-scratcher" marred by overly arty direction that overshadowed dialogue and story progression. The Daily Express acknowledged the solid acting but lamented the absence of tension and a satisfying resolution, likening it to an "empty house" reliant on clichés. On aggregate platforms, the series holds an average rating of 5.6 out of 10 on based on over 1,700 user votes, reflecting appreciation for its psychological depth in exploring guilt and but frequent critiques of predictability and underdeveloped subplots. The List summarized the consensus as a well-produced effort with uniform good acting and an intriguing story, yet ultimately unoriginal in a landscape saturated with similar narratives. Overall, reviewers valued the series' attempt at character-focused storytelling but found it hindered by genre conventions and execution flaws.

Viewership and Impact

The premiere of From Darkness on attracted 6.09 million viewers for the first episode, providing a strong debut for the four-part despite competition from established dramas. Viewership gradually declined over the run, with the finale drawing 4.46 million viewers, figures that were nonetheless considered solid for a BBC drama in the Sunday night slot. Internationally, the series received limited distribution, premiering on in starting November 1, 2015, but seeing minimal uptake in other markets beyond select broadcasters. Home media release followed shortly after the broadcast, with a DVD of the complete series issued on November 9, 2015, by . As of 2025, episodes remain available on streaming platforms such as , , and in select regions, including archival access via for audiences. The series had a minor impact on the psychological crime genre, contributing to discussions around personal trauma in narratives without spawning sequels or spin-offs. It garnered no major but received two nominations at the 2016 RTS Craft & Design for its and earned recognition for Anne-Marie Duff's lead performance, fostering a among TV enthusiasts for its atmospheric tension and character-driven storytelling.

References

  1. [1]
    From Darkness (TV Mini Series 2015) - Episode list - IMDb
    From Darkness · S1.E1 ∙ Episode #1.1 · S1.E2 ∙ Episode #1.2 · S1.E3 ∙ Episode #1.3 · S1.E4 ∙ Episode #1.4.
  2. [2]
    From Darkness (TV Mini Series 2015) - IMDb
    Rating 5.6/10 (1,766) Former Greater Manchester Police officer Claire Church's peaceful existence in the Western Isles is shattered when four bodies linked to her previous ...
  3. [3]
    From Darkness | Rotten Tomatoes
    A psychological thriller starring Anne-Marie Duff, an ex-constable hiding from the guilt of her past, who is slowly drawn back to confront her darkness.
  4. [4]
    From Darkness review: plenty of work for the cliche police, but it's ...
    Oct 5, 2015 · The excellent Anne-Marie Duff is starey ex-cop Claire Church in a brooding Western Isles tale of murdered sex-workers and bitter police with dark pasts.
  5. [5]
    Katie Baxendale | United Agents
    Co creator and Lead Writer on series one and two of SUGAR RUSH, an adaptation of Julie Burchill's coming of age novel. Series one won an International Emmy and ...
  6. [6]
    Katie Baxendale - IMDb
    Katie Baxendale. Writer: Sugar Rush. Katie Baxendale is known for Sugar Rush (2005), Vikings: Valhalla (2022) and Playing the Field (1998).
  7. [7]
    Sugar Rush (British TV series) - Wikipedia
    Sugar Rush ; Genre, Romantic-dramedy · Teen drama ; Created by, Katie Baxendale ; Based on, Sugar Rush by Julie Burchill ; Starring. Olivia Hallinan · Lenora ...
  8. [8]
    From Darkness - Meet the Crew - BBC One
    Oliver Kent, Executive Producer. "I was incredibly excited when Hilary Martin asked me to join the From Darkness team. It's a brilliant and truly original ...
  9. [9]
    Katie Baxendale embraces the Darkness with BBC | Drama Quarterly
    Oct 2, 2015 · Baxendale put together a two-page pitch that was picked up and developed by BBC Drama North with the help of development producer Simon Judd.
  10. [10]
    BBC One announces new drama From Darkness by writer Katie ...
    Aug 22, 2014 · From Darkness brings new writing talent to BBC One - Katie Baxendale's first original commission is a powerful and provocative new serial.
  11. [11]
    Anne-Marie Duff takes lead role in BBC One's From Darkness
    Mar 9, 2015 · Her first original commission, Katie Baxendale's From Darkness is a 4x60 series ... From Darkness was developed by BBC Drama North from an ...
  12. [12]
    Filming begins on new four-part BBC1 police drama starring Anne ...
    Mar 9, 2015 · The 4 x 60 minute drama is Katie Baxendale's first original commission by BBC One and was developed by BBC Drama North from an original ...
  13. [13]
    Anne-Marie Duff to lead new drama From Darkness - Digital Spy
    Mar 8, 2015 · Anne-Marie Duff is to lead the cast of new BBC psychological crime drama From Darkness. The drama is the first original commission from writer Katie Baxendale.Missing: commissioning | Show results with:commissioning
  14. [14]
    Further casting announced for BBC One's original drama From ...
    Mar 25, 2015 · Hilary Martin, Head of BBC Drama North, and Oliver Kent are the executive producers, and the producer is Helen Ziegler. It was commissioned ...
  15. [15]
    Luke Newberry, Johnny Harris join BBC One's From Darkness
    Mar 24, 2015 · Luke Newberry, Johnny Harris and Richard Rankin will appear in BBC One's new drama From Darkness. Anne-Marie Duff was previously announced to lead the series.Missing: further | Show results with:further
  16. [16]
    From Darkness, Episode 1 - BBC One
    Credits ; Norrie Duncan, Richard Rankin ; DCI John Hind, Johnny Harris ; Superintendent Lola Keir, Caroline Lee-Johnson ; DS Anthony Boyce, Luke Newberry.Missing: further | Show results with:further<|control11|><|separator|>
  17. [17]
    BBC's 'From Darkness' Lands Its Lead; ITV's Rounds Out ... - Deadline
    Mar 9, 2015 · From Darkness is produced by BBC Drama North for BBC One. Hilary Martin, Head of BBC Drama North and Oliver Kent exec producers. Shooting ...
  18. [18]
    From Darkness (TV Mini Series 2015) - Filming & production - IMDb
    Filming locations ; Scotland, UK · 6. 4 ; Lower Falinge, Rochdale, England, UK · 1. 1 ; Manchester, England, UK · 0. 1 ...Missing: BBC principal photography challenges
  19. [19]
    BBC films new drama From Darkness in Scottish Highlands
    Oct 1, 2015 · The BBC filmed part of its new crime drama From Darkness in Argyll, western Scotland, using the mainland as a stand-in for the Western Isles ...
  20. [20]
    BBC accused of snubbing Western Isles for police drama - The Herald
    Sep 28, 2015 · The BBC has been accused of snubbing the Western Isles in a primetime Sunday night drama, because it was too remote.
  21. [21]
    From Darkness - BBC One
    A series bible – expanding the other characters, the worlds they inhabit, exploring the tone of the show and looking at where the story might lead over four ...
  22. [22]
    Writing 'From Darkness' - BBC
    Oct 1, 2015 · Writer Katie Baxendale blogs about her new BBC One drama, which focuses on the psychological and mental effects of the darkness of crime.
  23. [23]
    From Darkness (BBC One) - AVForums
    Oct 1, 2015 · The girl meeting the young lad at the printworks and the car crash that wasn't a main character were both very poor writing indeed. And the less ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    From Darkness actress Anne-Marie Duff on the trail of a killer for her
    Oct 11, 2015 · It's set in the present day with flashbacks to the 90s, and we first meet Claire living the good life with her partner Norrie on a remote ...
  25. [25]
    'From Darkness' episode guide - CultBox
    Oct 15, 2015 · The four-part series tells the story of ex-police officer Claire Church (Duff), who tries to escape the past by moving away to the remote Western Isles.
  26. [26]
    The Saturday interview: Anne-Marie Duff | Shameless | The Guardian
    Mar 11, 2011 · Anne-Marie Duff is one of Britain's brightest acting talents. She made her name in the Channel 4 hit series Shameless, and her career has been demanding, ...
  27. [27]
    Anne-Marie Duff - IMDb
    Anne-Marie Duff. Actress: Nowhere Boy. Anne-Marie Duff is an English actress ... Met ex-husband James McAvoy while filming Shameless (2004). Quotes. In ...Biography · People · Contact Info
  28. [28]
    Johnny Harris - IMDb
    Johnny Harris is a multiple BAFTA nominated actor who has starred in some of the most iconic TV shows and films from the last 20 years.Missing: intense presence
  29. [29]
    Johnny Harris: An Actor With a Rare Depth of Character - HuffPost UK
    Dec 5, 2012 · Johnny Harris, slipping anonymously into the crowd, is one of the most gifted and naturalistic of modern film actors.Missing: presence | Show results with:presence
  30. [30]
    Richard Rankin - IMDb
    In 2016, Richard made his debut as the pivotal character of Roger Wakefield in the epic STARZ/Sony production "Outlander," a role that showcased his tremendous ...Biography · Richard Rankin (II) · 1 of 103
  31. [31]
    Caroline Lee-Johnson - IMDb
    Caroline Lee-Johnson is known for The Saint (1997), Chef! (1993) and The Uninvited (1997). More at IMDbPro · Contact info · Agent info · Resume.
  32. [32]
    From Darkness - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide
    Actor ; Anne-Marie Duff. Claire Church ; Richard Rankin. Norrie Duncan ; Johnny Harris. DCI John Hind ; Caroline Lee-Johnson. Superintenent Lola Keir, ...Missing: BBC further
  33. [33]
    Lucy Maxley - From Darkness - BBC
    Lucy is a complex and highly emotional individual, deeply traumatised and utterly alone. Claire believes she is misunderstood and worth fighting for.
  34. [34]
  35. [35]
    Gareth Harding - From Darkness - BBC
    Gareth is a successful property developer, and is making his fortune behind a carefully constructed façade of philanthropy. Having worked his way up from a ...
  36. [36]
  37. [37]
    Chris Templeton - From Darkness - BBC
    Chris Templeton lived a wild life in his university days, but wasn't expecting the past to get dragged up in the present. Chris lives the suburban dream with ...
  38. [38]
    Julie Hind - From Darkness - BBC
    Julie, the beautiful and accomplished wife of John Hind and mother to two teenage sons, has a seemingly perfect life.
  39. [39]
    From Darkness, BBC One | The Arts Desk
    Oct 5, 2015 · Writer Katie Baxendale says she wanted to avoid "a lazy use of women as victims" and concentrate on the emotional responses of her central ...Missing: experience | Show results with:experience
  40. [40]
    TV review: From Darkness, BBC One | The List
    From Darkness starts swathed in pain, anguish and shadow as Claire Church (Anne-Marie Duff) pounds the roads attempting to escape her grim past.
  41. [41]
    From Darkness, review: 'gaining momentum' - The Telegraph
    Oct 4, 2015 · Episode 1: Anne-Marie Duff is compelling, but the detective drama had to work hard to detract from familiar concept, says Jasper Rees.
  42. [42]
    Review: From Darkness (S1 E1/4), Sunday 4th October, BBC1
    Oct 4, 2015 · ... From Darkness (S1 E1/4), Sunday 4th October, BBC1. October 4, 2015 Paul Hirons 3 Comments · Programme Name: From Darkness - TX: n/a - Episode: n ...
  43. [43]
    From Darkness: Beefy as a Sunday roast - Daily Express
    Oct 5, 2015 · When I saw Anne-Marie Duff as Claire Church, a former Manchester cop now repairing her damaged soul in the Western Isles, I sighed with relief.Missing: overnight | Show results with:overnight<|control11|><|separator|>
  44. [44]
    From Darkness - what the fans are saying about new BBC crime ...
    Oct 5, 2015 · Historically, Manchester has long been a popular draw for location shoots, with Lewis and 90s favourite Cracker both filmed here. You can ...Missing: Isle | Show results with:Isle
  45. [45]
    Amazon.com: From Darkness [DVD] [2015]
    30-day returnsRelease date, ‎November 9, 2015. ASIN, ‎B016389ONQ. Additional Information. Best Sellers Rank: #453,168 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV). #54,075 in ...
  46. [46]
    From Darkness - streaming tv show online - JustWatch
    Rating 43% (75) Currently available on 5 streaming services. From Darkness (2015) ... We checked for updates on 367 streaming services on August 16, 2025 at 2:55:33 PM.
  47. [47]
    From Darkness S1 - Mystery | BritBox
    The discovery of four bodies and a killer's chilling taunts draw a former detective back into the murder case that ended her career.