If you’re drawn to atmospheric, supernatural crime thrillers with a deeply rooted sense of place and a blend of folklore and psychological suspense, then the Australian series “The Gloaming” is a chilling and captivating watch. Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Tasmania, it delves into a world where past traumas and ancient myths collide with a modern murder investigation.
What is “The Gloaming” about?
“The Gloaming” begins when a mysterious and brutally murdered woman is found in the desolate wilderness of Tasmania. Detective Molly McGee (Emma Booth), a complicated and emotionally scarred investigator, is assigned to the case. Her investigation soon forces her to confront her own troubled past when the primary suspect becomes Alex O’Connell (Ewen Leslie), a man with whom she shares a devastating history.
As Molly and Alex are forced to work together, they uncover a dark conspiracy that connects the murder to old family secrets, corrupt dealings, and a terrifying ancient pagan ritual. The series masterfully blends the procedural elements of a crime drama with supernatural undertones, where the line between the living and the dead, and between reality and the mystical, becomes increasingly blurred. The stunning yet eerie Tasmanian landscape itself becomes a character, mirroring the dark and complex secrets hidden beneath its surface. The show explores themes of grief, trauma, corruption, and the enduring power of the past.
Why “The Gloaming” is a compelling watch:
- Atmospheric & Visually Stunning: The show makes incredible use of its Tasmanian setting, creating a unique and pervasive sense of dread and mystery. The landscapes are breathtaking but also deeply unsettling.
- Supernatural Crime Thriller: It’s a fantastic blend of genres, combining the gritty realism of a murder investigation with elements of folk horror and the supernatural, making for a truly unique viewing experience.
- Complex Protagonists: Molly and Alex are deeply flawed and haunted characters whose shared past adds immense emotional weight to the investigation. Their chemistry and fraught relationship are central to the series’ appeal.
- Intriguing Mystery: The central murder is just the beginning. The story quickly expands into a wider conspiracy involving secret societies, ancient beliefs, and the dark underbelly of the community.
- Strong Australian Storytelling: It’s a prime example of high-quality Australian drama, with excellent writing, direction, and performances.
Where to Watch “The Gloaming”:
“The Gloaming” originally aired on Stan in Australia and has been available on various platforms internationally. In the U.S., you can typically stream “The Gloaming” on STARZ and the STARZ Amazon Channel. It may also be available for purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
If you enjoyed “The Gloaming,” you might also like:
- The Tourist (another Australian mystery with a compelling lead and twists)
- True Detective (especially Season 1, for its dark atmosphere, complex characters, and philosophical crime)
- Top of the Lake (for a New Zealand-set mystery with a strong female detective and dark themes)
- Broadchurch (for a British crime drama focused on a murder in a close-knit community)
- Jordskott (a Swedish series blending Nordic Noir with folklore and the supernatural)