Under Salt Marsh

Set within the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Helen, Under Salt Marsh stars Kelly Reilly as Jackie Ellis, a former detective turned primary school teacher who’s still carrying the weight of her niece Nessa’s disappearance from three years ago. When one of her eight-year-old students is found dead in a drainage ditch, presumably drowned, shockwaves are sent through the close-knit community. The arrival of Jackie’s former partner, Detective Eric Bull (Rafe Spall), re-opens old wounds following his involvement in Nessa’s investigation. However, when Jackie and Eric start to suspect that both cases may be linked, they decide to work together. Within the opening episodes, writer and creator Claire Oakley has laid the foundations for an emotionally charged crime drama that’s led by a star-studded ensemble.

One of the most striking aspects of this miniseries is its distinctive sense of place. Situated between mountains and bordered by the sea as the approach of an enormous storm raises evacuation warnings, Morfa Helen is left at the mercy of the elements and cut off from the rest of the country by a flooded marsh road that’s reminiscent of The Woman in Black. Not only does the severe weather mean there’s a significant risk of the evidence being washed away, but the stormy atmosphere likewise bleeds into the local population as feelings of grief and anger run high.

The show takes its time establishing the setting and characters to immerse viewers in the mystery. Although audiences are no closer to understanding what happened to either of the children or even why Bull has become ostracised by the community, Oakley successfully lays breadcrumbs of information which suggest everything is more connected than it seems.

With much of the drama centred around those caught in the centre of the tragedy, the script is just as much a poignant exploration of grief. While each actor delivers raw and honest performances, none are as impactful as Reilly. She effectively conveys Jackie’s pain and determination for viewers to fully understand her actions. Spall is also excellent here. Despite being the quiet and stoic type, Bull’s sense of regret is palpable.

In the space of just two episodes, Oakley has crafted a rich and atmospheric mystery with Under Salt Marsh. Carried by superb turns from Reilly and Spall, this Sky Original is off to a magnificent start.