There’s just something about Tennant playing icky guys that ensures a chilling experience.
What it's about
A three-part series following the arrest of serial murderer Dennis Nilsen (David Tennant) and the rocky pursuit of justice that followed suit.
The take
Des is a miniseries that understands viewers have had about enough with serial killers and true crime. Aware of the fatigue, it skillfully compresses the stories of Des’ multiple victims into three taut episodes without ever feeling forced or too much. The subject of Des’ sexuality (he expresses a fondness for men but never officially came out) has also been sensitively handled. Des’ biographer in the series, who is an out-gay writer, makes a valid point: better he tells Des’ story no matter how terrifying than someone else outside of the community. Who knows what false and demonizing correlations will be made? But just as big a chunk of the series is rightly focused on the two detectives desperately seeking justice for the victims. Though they can seem holier-than-thou at times because of the lack of characterization, they, too, ask the right questions about justice and rightful punishment. It may be too talky for some viewers, but there’s no denying Des is a smart show, one bolstered by strong performances.
What stands out
Tennant, no doubt.
Comments
Add a comment
Your name
Your comment
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
UP NEXT
More like this in
Ethos
A level of attention to aesthetics usually reserved for the most elaborate films, mixed with a complex and relevant story, make this series from Turkey unmatched in its quality
9.9
Caliphate
A psychological thriller that provides insight on what drove so many young people to ISIS.
8.9
Occupied
Norway's most expensive show ever is a timely thrill ride with a grim geopolitical premise.
8.7
Escape at Dannemora
Based on a true prison escape story, this slow-burn suspense thriller features once-in-a-lifetime performances by a star-studded cast
9.3
Unorthodox
A well-acted fact-based thriller about untangling the grip of a close-knit community
8.5
Wild Wild Country
Almost too outrageous to be true – this captivating true crime docuseries tells the unlikely story of an Indian cult in America
9.8
Like Water for Chocolate
Magical food shifts a family’s fate, as well as their country’s, in this passionate rendition of the classic forbidden romance
8.1
The Looming Tower
A well-written thriller miniseries about the rivalry between the CIA and the FBI and how they failed to prevent 9/11.
8.1
The Good Fight
Like Suits or The Good Wife, but sharper
9.1
Unbelievable
Critics lauded the angle and feminist edge of this grim true crime miniseries.