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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.

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