If you’re drawn to gritty, psychologically complex detective dramas with a protagonist on the brink, then the British “Nordic noir” series “Marcella” is a compelling and often disturbing watch. Created by Hans Rosenfeldt (the acclaimed writer of “The Bridge”), it delves into the mind of a brilliant but deeply troubled detective whose personal demons constantly threaten to derail her investigations.
What is “Marcella” about?
“Marcella” centers on Detective Sergeant Marcella Backland (played by Anna Friel), a London detective whose life is in crisis. At the beginning of the series, her husband Jason abruptly leaves her, throwing her into a deep emotional spiral. At the same time, a cold case that Marcella investigated 11 years prior—involving a serial killer—suddenly becomes active again, drawing her back into police work after a career break to raise her children.
What makes Marcella unique, and what drives much of the show’s dark tension, are her severe mental health issues, primarily her dissociative fugue states (often referred to as “blackouts”). During these episodes, she loses chunks of time, engaging in actions she cannot recall, which sometimes have devastating consequences and even make her question if she could be involved in the very crimes she’s investigating.
Each season of “Marcella” typically focuses on a gruesome new serial killer case, often with deeply disturbing themes (such as child abductions in Season 2). As Marcella relentlessly pursues the killers, she also battles her own deteriorating mental state, navigating strained relationships with her colleagues and her increasingly complicated personal life, which includes a messy divorce and custody battles.
In a significant shift for Season 3, Marcella assumes a new identity (“Keira”) and goes undercover in Belfast, infiltrating a powerful and dangerous crime family. This allows the show to explore new facets of her fractured personality and her capacity for darkness, as the lines between her true self and her undercover persona become increasingly blurred.
Why “Marcella” is a compelling watch:
- Anna Friel’s Tour-de-Force Performance: Anna Friel is captivating as Marcella, delivering a raw, intense, and vulnerable portrayal of a woman teetering on the edge. Her commitment to the character’s internal turmoil is central to the show’s appeal.
- Dark and Gritty Atmosphere: The series fully embraces its “Nordic noir” influences, offering a bleak, moody, and often unsettling portrayal of London’s criminal underworld and the psychological toll it takes on those who inhabit it.
- Complex Psychological Drama: It’s not just a whodunit; it’s a deep dive into Marcella’s psyche, exploring the impact of trauma, grief, and mental illness on a professional trying to hold her life together.
- Intriguing Mysteries: The central murder cases are intricately plotted, full of red herrings and shocking twists that keep viewers guessing until the very end.
- Unpredictable Narrative: Thanks to Marcella’s blackouts and her increasingly erratic behavior, the audience is always left wondering what she might do next, adding a layer of unpredictable suspense.
Where to Watch “Marcella”:
“Marcella” originally aired on ITV in the UK. All three seasons are widely available for streaming in the U.S. on:
- Netflix (often considered its main international streaming home)
- Hoopla (free with a library card, for some seasons)
You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons on digital platforms such as:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Fandango At Home (Vudu)
If you enjoyed “Marcella,” you might also like:
- The Bridge (original Swedish/Danish version or US remake): Created by the same writer, Hans Rosenfeldt, it features another brilliant but socially challenged female detective and a gripping cross-border crime.
- The Fall (Peacock/BritBox): A tense British crime drama starring Gillian Anderson as a detective hunting a serial killer, focusing on the psychological cat-and-mouse game.
- Happy Valley (AMC+/Acorn TV): A critically acclaimed British police drama with a formidable female protagonist, known for its realism, gritty atmosphere, and powerful performances.
- Unforgotten (BritBox/PBS Masterpiece): Another excellent British crime drama focusing on cold cases and their long-term impact, known for its intricate plotting and strong emotional core.
- Luther (BBC America/Hulu): For a darker, more psychologically driven British crime drama with a brilliant but troubled detective.