Nocturne: The New Crime Thriller on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has unveiled its latest crime thriller, Nocturne. The series is an adaptation of novels by renowned author Lars Kepler, specifically "The Sandman" and "Lazarus." The first two episodes are already available on the platform, immediately establishing a dark, tense atmosphere that draws the viewer in from the opening shots.
At the Heart of the Story: A Psychological Confrontation
The plot centres on serial killer Jurek Walter—played brilliantly by Stephen Graham—who is incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital. Despite being convicted for brutal crimes, Walter continues his manipulative ways. He seeks to regain his freedom with the help of former investigator Joona Linna (Liev Schreiber). Linna, who left the police force following a personal tragedy, is forced back into the case when a boy who disappeared years ago suddenly reappears alive.
The core appeal of the series lies in the confrontation between these three characters: the killer, the former investigator, and FBI agent Saga Bauer (Zazie Beetz). Each possesses unique motivations and past traumas, adding depth to the narrative. Bauer’s character is particularly compelling as she decides to covertly infiltrate the hospital’s high-security ward to uncover who is helping Walter communicate with the outside world.
Technical Execution and Atmosphere
Creators Rowan Joffe and John Hlavin have crafted a visual style that evokes a sense of claustrophobia. The opening shots of the first episode, where the camera slowly tracks through the hospital’s cold, concrete corridors, perfectly capture the weight of imprisonment. The series does not shy away from providing information early, which is often part of the genre’s intrigue, though here it serves primarily to flesh out the characters' psychological portraits.
While the plot may occasionally raise logical questions or present the characters' "superhuman" intellect as slightly unrealistic, Stephen Graham’s performance balances these elements. His portrayal of Jurek Walter is simultaneously dangerous and charming, securing the series a distinct place among modern crime dramas.
What to Expect?
Nocturne is a series that demands the viewer's full attention. It is not merely a "whodunit" detective story; it is a narrative about the consequences of crime, accountability, and how far one might go in the pursuit of truth. The first two episodes merely lay the groundwork for a larger confrontation where the stakes rise by the minute. For those who enjoy slow-burn, dark, and deeply psychological dramas, this work is well worth watching.