Dunbar’s ‘blood’ returns to netflix: a gothic irish thriller you need to see

Adrian Dunbar fans, prepare for a chilling return. ‘Blood,’ the atmospheric Irish thriller previously relegated to Channel 5, is now streaming on Netflix, offering a deliciously dark dose of the actor’s trademark intensity.

A dark secret buried deep

Forget the procedural rigidity of ‘Line of Duty’; ‘Blood’ plunges viewers into a claustrophobic, rain-soaked small town just outside Dublin. The plot centers on Cat (played with simmering suspicion by Gemma Arterton), who returns to her hometown following her mother’s mysterious death – a death she suspects her father, a respected local doctor portrayed by Dunbar, orchestrated.

Dunbar, already a master of portraying troubled authority figures, delivers a nuanced performance as Jim Hogan, the doctor grappling with his own secrets and Cat’s relentless accusations. The series isn’t a straightforward whodunit; it’s a meticulously crafted exploration of family history, repressed trauma, and the unsettling truths lurking beneath a seemingly idyllic facade.

Critical acclaim and atmospheric direction

Originally broadcast in 2018, ‘Blood’ initially garnered significant praise, with critics highlighting its ‘smart twists’ and ‘quintessential Irishness.’ Time lauded its “refreshing approach to filming Ireland,” noting its avoidance of postcard clichés, opting instead for a “place old and new, gothic and green.” The Guardian described it as “one of the strongest dramas of the year,” praising its unsettling atmosphere and compelling performances.

What to expect – and where to find it

There are two series of ‘Blood’ available now on Netflix, totaling twelve episodes of tightly plotted suspense. Dunbar’s presence alone is enough to draw viewers, but the show offers a genuinely unsettling and beautifully shot experience. It’s a welcome reminder that some of the best British television finds its roots in the uniquely evocative landscapes and complex histories of its home.

The details

Original Broadcast: Channel 5 (2018)

Starring: Adrian Dunbar, Gemma Arterton, Gráinne Kennan, Diarmuid Noyes

Series Count: 2

Where to Watch: Netflix