Under Salt Marsh Review: A Gripping Exploration of Isolation and Suffering
Rafe Spall's Welsh crime drama Under Salt Marsh is a masterclass in subverting expectations, weaving together complex characters, atmospheric settings, and heart-wrenching storylines that leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The six-part series is set in the fictional town of Morfa Halen, where the inhabitants are struggling to cope with the devastating effects of climate change and rising sea levels.
At its core, Under Salt Marsh is a drama about grief, isolation, and the fragility of human relationships. When primary school teacher Jackie Ellis (Kelly Reilly) discovers the body of one of her pupils, Cefin, in a drainage ditch, it sets off a chain reaction of events that exposes the dark underbelly of Morfa Halen's tight-knit community.
As detective Eric Bull (Rafe Spall) investigates the boy's death, he must navigate his complicated past with Jackie and confront the weight of his own secrets. The series expertly subverts expectations at every turn, slowly unraveling the tangled threads of the mystery while also delving into the emotional toll it takes on its characters.
One of Under Salt Marsh's greatest strengths is its thoughtful exploration of isolation and suffering. The show sheds light on how a community can become fractured under pressure, highlighting both the resilience and fragility of its members. Through a cast of complex characters, each with their own stories to tell, Oakley parcels out her plot carefully, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Julian Lewis Jones as Osian, the unstable son of the local landlady, and Nigel James Bradley as Kieran, the apiarist on nearby Spider Island. The show also boasts a great cameo performance from Jonathan Pryce, whose role as Solomon, the boy's grandfather, hints at a larger story that will unfold in future episodes.
While the first two episodes were available for review, it's clear that Under Salt Marsh has the potential to be a compelling and psychologically astute thriller. With its brooding shots of liminal landscapes and distant mountains, the show is well-suited to fans of atmospheric dramas. Fans of psychological thrillers will also appreciate the intricate plot twists and connections that bind the community together.
With its thought-provoking themes and masterful storytelling, Under Salt Marsh is a must-watch for anyone looking for a gripping drama that explores the complexities of human relationships and the devastating effects of isolation. While it may take some time to unravel the mystery, viewers will be rewarded with a thrilling ride that lingers long after the final credits roll.
Rafe Spall's Welsh crime drama Under Salt Marsh is a masterclass in subverting expectations, weaving together complex characters, atmospheric settings, and heart-wrenching storylines that leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The six-part series is set in the fictional town of Morfa Halen, where the inhabitants are struggling to cope with the devastating effects of climate change and rising sea levels.
At its core, Under Salt Marsh is a drama about grief, isolation, and the fragility of human relationships. When primary school teacher Jackie Ellis (Kelly Reilly) discovers the body of one of her pupils, Cefin, in a drainage ditch, it sets off a chain reaction of events that exposes the dark underbelly of Morfa Halen's tight-knit community.
As detective Eric Bull (Rafe Spall) investigates the boy's death, he must navigate his complicated past with Jackie and confront the weight of his own secrets. The series expertly subverts expectations at every turn, slowly unraveling the tangled threads of the mystery while also delving into the emotional toll it takes on its characters.
One of Under Salt Marsh's greatest strengths is its thoughtful exploration of isolation and suffering. The show sheds light on how a community can become fractured under pressure, highlighting both the resilience and fragility of its members. Through a cast of complex characters, each with their own stories to tell, Oakley parcels out her plot carefully, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Julian Lewis Jones as Osian, the unstable son of the local landlady, and Nigel James Bradley as Kieran, the apiarist on nearby Spider Island. The show also boasts a great cameo performance from Jonathan Pryce, whose role as Solomon, the boy's grandfather, hints at a larger story that will unfold in future episodes.
While the first two episodes were available for review, it's clear that Under Salt Marsh has the potential to be a compelling and psychologically astute thriller. With its brooding shots of liminal landscapes and distant mountains, the show is well-suited to fans of atmospheric dramas. Fans of psychological thrillers will also appreciate the intricate plot twists and connections that bind the community together.
With its thought-provoking themes and masterful storytelling, Under Salt Marsh is a must-watch for anyone looking for a gripping drama that explores the complexities of human relationships and the devastating effects of isolation. While it may take some time to unravel the mystery, viewers will be rewarded with a thrilling ride that lingers long after the final credits roll.
under salt marsh is giving me major vibes of the current state of our world 
like the rising sea levels and climate change are slowly suffocating us all 
anyone else feel like they're just trying to hold on for dear life? 
I'm hooked on this show already! The way they're tackling climate change and its effects on communities is so relevant 
. I love how it's not just about the mystery, but also about the emotional toll it takes on the characters. It's like, you can't help but feel for them as they're struggling to cope with their own demons 
. I'm already invested in the storylines and can't wait to see how it all unfolds 
. I mean, I've heard stories from people who have lived through real-life coastal erosion and it sounds way more complex than just rising sea levels and devastation 
. But at the same time, the show does seem to be tackling some really heavy themes like grief and isolation, which could lead to some really powerful character development 
. I'm also not sure about the "mystery" aspect of the show - is it really gonna be that hard to piece together? 
. I mean we've been seeing it happen in real life for years, what's the point of making a show about it now? Still, if it's got a good story and some great acting, I'm down to give it a try 
! It's like Oakley takes all these tiny threads and weaves them into this massive tapestry of human emotions 
. I love how they subvert expectations, it keeps me guessing till the very end 
. I do have some reservations about the pacing tho... sometimes I felt like I was being dropped into the world without enough context 
. Still, Under Salt Marsh has me completely invested and I'm eager to see where it all goes from here 
.
. Anyway, if you haven't checked out Under Salt Marsh yet... do, just do 
and kelly reilly is so talented 
can't wait to dive in and see what all the fuss is about 
. It's like the show is mirroring our own world's struggles with climate change and community breakdowns 
. And the cast? Absolutely phenomenal 
. Can't wait to see what happens next in Morfa Halen...
, makes me wanna check out that creepy little town of morfa halen. i love how the show tackles tough themes like grief and isolation 
, can't wait to see more! 
And that setting - a coastal town struggling with climate change? 
The cast looks amazing too, especially Jonathan Pryce as a grandfather with a hidden story... what's up with that?! 
Can't wait to see how it all unfolds!