BBC's Critically Acclaimed Crime Drama Arrives on Netflix Just in Time for Easter
The atmospheric and gripping BBC crime series Dublin Murders has made a quiet but significant arrival on Netflix, providing viewers with the perfect dark thriller for the Easter weekend. Originally airing in 2019, this Irish-produced mystery has been added to the streaming platform's library, offering subscribers a compelling eight-episode binge opportunity.
A Stellar Cast and Complex Investigation
Featuring acclaimed actors Sarah Greene (known for Bad Sisters and The Death of Bunny Munro) and Killian Scott (from Kaos and Trespass Against Us), the series follows detectives Rob Reilly (played by Greene) and Cassie Maddox (portrayed by Scott) as they work for an elite murder investigation unit. The central case involves the shocking death of a young, talented ballerina discovered on an ancient stone altar, a tragedy that resurrects haunting memories of a decades-old disappearance of three children in the same community.
Based on Bestselling Novels with Critical Acclaim
Dublin Murders draws its intricate narrative from two novels by celebrated crime writer Tana French, specifically In The Woods and its sequel The Likeness. French's work as a New York Times bestselling author provides the foundation for what critics have praised as a sophisticated and layered crime story.
The series has earned impressive scores on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience rating of 78% and a critics' score of 79% fresh. Viewers have described the show as "beautifully brutal" with "perfect performances," while professional critics have highlighted its atmospheric quality and satisfyingly dark, twisty narrative. The Observer called it "atmospheric, often terrific, never dull viewing," while ScreenRant praised it as a "satisfyingly dark and twisty crime thriller."
Production Details and Filming Locations
Despite its title suggesting a Dublin-centric production, much of the series was actually filmed in Belfast and surrounding areas of Northern Ireland, with additional shooting in Dublin. The haunting woods where key events unfold were captured in Tollymore Forest, a location previously featured in Game of Thrones and the film Dracula Untold. For flashback sequences set in the 1980s, the production utilized the village of Drumaness, complete with period-appropriate Garda vans, green post boxes, and vintage ice cream vans to create authentic atmosphere.
Why It's Perfect for Easter Viewing
The single-season, eight-episode format makes Dublin Murders an ideal binge-watch for the extended Easter weekend. Creator Sarah Phelps explained her attraction to French's source material, noting that she was "compelled" by the novels and their exploration of shared trauma between the lead characters. Phelps revealed that the case "will unpeel the thing that they have in common and share, the pact they have made with each other," describing a "deep and dark" connection that shapes their investigation.
Lead actress Sarah Greene reflected on the demanding nature of the role, describing the filming process as "pretty heavy" and acknowledging that the dark subject matter "does get under your skin." The production employed a professional advisor to help the actors understand the psychological demands of portraying detectives who must maintain emotional distance while confronting brutal crimes and delivering devastating news to families.
Availability and Streaming Options
Dublin Murders is now available for streaming on Netflix, having been added to the platform on March 13. The series also remains accessible through BBC iPlayer for viewers in appropriate regions. This dual availability provides multiple options for audiences seeking a sophisticated crime drama with literary roots, complex character development, and atmospheric Irish settings.
The timing of its Netflix debut aligns perfectly with the Easter holiday period, offering viewers a substantial but manageable series that can be completed within a long weekend while still allowing time for traditional holiday activities. With its combination of critical acclaim, compelling source material, and binge-friendly format, Dublin Murders represents a significant addition to Netflix's crime drama offerings.
