Ruth Wilson’s bold thriller Down Cemetery Road is a must-see with shock early twist (no spoilers!)

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The new Apple TV thriller, Down Cemetery Road, starts with a bang – and we mean that literally! From the creators of Slow Horses, this adaptation of Mick Herron’s novel begins with a real explosion in a peaceful Oxford neighborhood. It’s probably the last thing anyone wants to happen during a dinner party, unless the conversation’s already stalled.

The story centers around Sarah Trafford (Ruth Wilson), an art restorer, who throws a party for her husband’s unpleasant boss and some eccentric neighbors. The event is quickly disrupted by a surprising explosion – particularly shocking if you’re not familiar with the original book. But that’s just the beginning; expect a series of increasingly surprising and complicated twists. We won’t reveal too much, though!

So, I heard this little girl lost her parents in the explosion, and being a decent person, I – Trafford, that’s me – tried to check on her at the hospital. But the staff were seriously unhelpful, like they didn’t want me to see her. It was really weird. And when I tried asking the police for help figuring things out, they were… well, let’s just say they weren’t exactly rushing to assist. It felt really suspicious, honestly.

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That’s when Trafford turns to Zoe Boehm (Emma Thompson) and her husband Joe Silverman (Adam Godley), a quirky married couple who work as private investigators. Like many on-screen detectives, they’re a bit unusual, but they’re more than just charmingly eccentric.

That’s actually Emma Thompson, the incredibly talented actress—you might know her from films like Love Actually and Nanny McPhee—showing off a new, even more edgy haircut, fitting for her often sharp-witted roles. She’s famously the only person ever to win Academy Awards for both acting and writing, thanks to her work on Howards End and Sense and Sensibility.

The choice to cast Dame Thompson as the lead was brilliant, and bringing Wilson on board to play her anxious new partner was a perfect move. Together, they form an unexpected team as their investigation uncovers a major conspiracy that will challenge them both.

If that description sounds like a typical thriller tagline – like calling something ‘explosive’ – you’re right to be skeptical. Down Cemetery Road starts slowly, building the tension gradually rather than rushing into action.

Honestly, you’d be making a big mistake to write off a new show from the people behind Slow Horses, especially since it’s based on a book by Mick Herron – the creator of that amazing Apple TV+ series! Like Slow Horses, this isn’t about complicated spy plots; it’s all about the characters and what they go through. It’s character-driven first, and the spy stuff just serves as the backdrop.

Zoe, played by Thompson, is the main attraction – a cold, unapproachable woman who skillfully uses her own suffering to punish others, both the deserving and the innocent. Godley portrays Joe, her endlessly patient husband, as genuinely kind and hardworking, though a bit forgetful. The two actors brilliantly capture a deeply powerful connection that somehow survives even through immense pain.

However, it’s Wilson’s subtle performance as Sarah that truly grounds the show. Beneath her calm exterior lies a deep curiosity that drives her to escape the monotony of suburban life and venture into exciting, yet risky, situations. As a highly acclaimed actress, Wilson breathes life into what could have been a flat character, making her far more captivating.

The story isn’t boring at all. While it starts a bit slowly, Down Cemetery Road has the same sharp, clever humor that made Slow Horses so memorable when it first came out.

Like that other show that stood out from the crowd, this one also carves out its own unique identity with its dark humor and daring approach, leading to a genuinely shocking twist. And believe me, the beginning is just a taste of what’s to come.

Even after just one episode, Down Cemetery Road is surprisingly bold and full of genuinely shocking moments. Importantly, these twists feel earned and fit the overall atmosphere of the show.

I don’t want to give too much away, because honestly, you need to go into this show fresh. But if you’re a fan of Slow Horses, Emma Thompson, or just good TV in general, you’re going to love Apple TV’s latest. It’s packed with twists and turns, and I’d say it’s even more intense than what came before.

The first two episodes of Down Cemetery Road will premiere on Apple TV+ on October 29th. New episodes will then be released every Wednesday until December 10th, with a total of six additional episodes.

Okay, gamers, listen up! The latest issue of Living Legends is out now! I just grabbed my copy of ‘Ariana & Witches’ – you can find it at all good newsagents or order it online for only £8.99. Definitely worth checking out!

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2025-10-29 12:20