Last post I focused on a few of the great books around in the thriller/mystery/suspense genre. I promised to spotlight movies and TV series in the same genre. So here goes with my TV recommendations.
SECRETS AND LIES:
Though I believe a North American remake is on the horizon, the original Australian version is a tense, twisting suspenseful series available on Netflix. Starring the gorgeous Martin Henderson, it tells the story of an ordinary (though hunky) guy who discovers the body of a dead child while out jogging. From key witness, events spiral out of control until he's the prime suspect fighting for his family and his freedom. With a truly mind-blowing conclusion, this series will keep you guessing until the end.
TOP OF THE LAKE:
Filmed in the breathtaking mountainous scenery of New Zealand and starring the amazing Elizabeth Moss from Mad Men, the story centres around Moss's character, Detective Robin Griffin who returns to her childhood town, a place where she endured traumatic events years earlier. She's immediately plunged into a troubling case of the young daughter of a local drug lord, who tried to kill herself in the icy lake. When the girl disappears, Griffin is drawn into a shadowy world of drug dealers and encounters the eccentric leader of a women's self-help camp. It becomes a painful journey of self-discovery as she reconnects with her old lover and uncovers terrible secrets buried in the town's history.
TRUE DETECTIVE:
You can't compile a list of great suspense stories without mentioning this amazing series starring the incredible Matthew McConaughy and Woody Harrelson, the most inspired casting choice I've seen in ages. This moody story set in rural Louisiana chronicles the journey, both personal and professional, of these two contrasting detectives who give their all in a search for the perpetrator of strange, ritualistic killings. McConaughy is the introverted, intellectual philosopher while Harrelson is the flawed, explosive macho man trying to keep his family together despite his infidelity. Both men struggle with their own demons along the way.
THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD:
This British mini-series based on Charles Dickens' final, unfinished novel, stars the handsome, brooding Jonathan Rhys as John Jasper, the opium addicted choirmaster at Cloisterham Cathedral, suffering with hallucinations of murder, whose obsession with his nephew, Edwin Drood's prospective fiancee Rosa drives him to evil, dishonest deeds. A true, dark Victorian thriller complete with spooky tombs, strange gravediggers and unexpected twists and turns.
THE BRIDGE ("BRON" the original Danish version)
Another incredible series with two completely mismatched detectives, Saga, the brilliant Swedish detective with an Aspergers type personality and Martin, the Danish cop haunted by the death of his son. When they are thrust together after a body is found on the bridge between Denmark and Sweden, cut in half and straddling the border between the two countries, they become entangled in a web of corruption and terrorism. With brilliant characterization against the cold, grey Scandinavian backdrop, this is a truly addictive series.
I could go on forever with my list, but I'll return to it on another blog. In the meantime, happy and suspenseful viewing to you all and be sure to comment with your recommendations. I'm always looking for suggestions.
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