If you’re drawn to dark, atmospheric crime dramas that delve into the psychological toll of detective work and interweave current investigations with long-buried secrets, then “Dublin Murders” is a captivating and unsettling miniseries. Based on the acclaimed “Dublin Murder Squad” novels by Tana French, this show offers a chilling look at the human cost of seeking justice.
What is “Dublin Murders” about?
“Dublin Murders” combines the plots of the first two novels in Tana French’s series, “In the Woods” and “The Likeness.” Set in 2006, the series focuses on two interconnected murder investigations that force detectives to confront their own traumatic pasts.
The primary storyline follows Detective Rob Reilly (Killian Scott) and his partner, Detective Cassie Maddox (Sarah Greene), members of the elite Dublin Murder Squad. Their bond is exceptionally close, built on trust and shared secrets. They are assigned to investigate the murder of a 13-year-old girl, Katy Devlin, whose body is found ritualistically displayed on an ancient altar in the woods of Knocknaree, a small town on the outskirts of Dublin.
The case becomes chillingly personal for Rob. Twenty years earlier, in 1985, three children vanished without a trace from the very same woods. Only one child, a young boy named Adam, was found alive, clutching a tree trunk, with blood-filled shoes and no memory of what happened. Rob, unbeknownst to anyone in the force (except Cassie), is that boy, having changed his name to escape his past. As the current investigation unfolds, Rob is pulled back into his childhood trauma, believing the two cases are connected, even as his fragmented memories threaten to unravel his sanity and his career.
Simultaneously, a separate, equally disturbing case emerges that directly impacts Cassie. A young woman is found stabbed to death, and she is an exact doppelgänger for Cassie, even carrying an ID with the undercover identity Cassie used years ago. This forces Cassie to go undercover in the dead woman’s place, stepping into a bizarre and dangerous world that forces her to confront her own past and identity.
The series is a deep dive into trauma, identity, and the unreliable nature of memory, set against the backdrop of Ireland’s “Celtic Tiger” boom and its lingering shadows.
Why “Dublin Murders” is a compelling watch:
- Atmospheric & Gripping: The show creates a pervasive sense of unease and dread, enhanced by the eerie Irish landscapes and a haunting score.
- Complex Characters: Rob and Cassie are deeply flawed, psychologically tormented protagonists, and their intricate relationship is at the heart of the series. Their inner demons are as captivating as the crimes they investigate.
- Intricate Plot & Psychological Focus: It’s less about a straightforward “whodunit” and more about the psychological impact of the crimes on the detectives, the suspects, and the community. The narrative is dense and requires attention.
- Strong Performances: Killian Scott and Sarah Greene deliver powerful, nuanced performances, perfectly conveying the characters’ inner turmoil and their strained partnership.
- Unsettling Ambiguity: The show is not afraid to leave questions unanswered, embracing the psychological ambiguity of its source material, which can be both rewarding and frustrating for viewers.
Who are the main actors in “Dublin Murders”?
- Killian Scott as Detective Rob Reilly
- Sarah Greene as Detective Cassie Maddox
- Tom Vaughan-Lawlor as Detective Frank Mackey
- Moe Dunford as Detective Sam O’Neill
- Leah McNamara as Rosalind Devlin
- Peter McDonald as Jonathan Devlin
- Conleth Hill as Superintendent O’Kelly
- Eugene O’Hare as Detective Quigley
- Michael D’Arcy as young Adam (Rob)
- Amy Macken as Katy Devlin
Where to Watch “Dublin Murders”:
“Dublin Murders” originally aired on BBC One in the UK and RTÉ One in Ireland. In the U.S., it premiered on STARZ.
You can typically stream “Dublin Murders” on:
- STARZ (available as a standalone subscription or through various streaming bundles like Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, and The Roku Channel Premium Subscriptions).
- Philo (with a subscription).
- Hulu (with the STARZ add-on).
- Amazon Prime Video (may require a STARZ add-on or be available free with ads depending on your region/Prime status).
- The Roku Channel (free with ads).
Individual episodes and the full season are also available for purchase on digital platforms such as:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Prime Video
- Fandango At Home (Vudu)
- Google Play Movies & TV
If you enjoyed “Dublin Murders,” you might also like:
- True Detective (especially Season 1) (HBO/Max): For its dark atmosphere, complex psychological themes, and intertwining mysteries.
- Broadchurch (Netflix/Amazon Prime Video): Another acclaimed British crime drama set in a small, tight-knit community rocked by a child’s murder.
- The Sinner (Netflix/USA Network): An anthology series that focuses on the psychological “why” behind a crime, often uncovering deep-seated trauma.
- Top of the Lake (Hulu): For a haunting and atmospheric crime drama set in a remote, beautiful, and dangerous landscape.
- Luther (BBC America/Hulu): For a dark, psychologically driven British crime series with a brilliant but troubled detective.