Saagar Kote
‘The Survivors’ follows Kieran Elliot (Charlie Vickers), whose life takes a tragic turn in his coastal town called Evelyn Bay, Tasmania, Australia. A raging storm hits the area, and three people who are closely related to him are killed in the natural disaster. Fifteen years later, Kieran returns to his hometown, only to find out that his past isn’t done with him yet, as a young woman is killed. This murder causes chaos in the local community, which looks for answers.
Situations force people to uncover the secrets that have troubled them for all these years. This Tony Ayres creation is based on Jane Harper’s eponymous novel. Stuck in his small town, where everyone knows him, Kieran starts believing that there is no escape. The narrative throws light on grief, resentment, and the depth of tragedies that don’t seem to end. There is an added sense of mystery around the whole setting, which makes it an almost claustrophobic viewing experience that is engaging. If you loved watching this brooding murder mystery, these shows similar to ‘The Survivors’ will pique your interest in the genre.
10. One of Us (2016)
‘One of Us’ centers around a young couple in Scotland, brutally killed under mysterious circumstances. Things get complicated for the victims’ families when a gravely injured man who might be the killer appears at their doorstep. This Harry Williams and Jack Williams creation is an exploration of the dilemma of the two families who have to decide whether or not they show mercy to the man who seems to have killed their dear ones. The ideas of trauma and its impact on mental health are explored through the lens of the various characters. Akin to ‘The Survivors,’ the crime drama is based on harrowing incidents, secrets, and familial issues that drive the narrative.
9. The Staircase (2022)
‘The Staircase’ follows Michael Peterson (Colin Firth), a crime writer who is accused of being involved in the murder of his wife Kathleen Peterson (Toni Collette), who is found lifeless at the bottom of the couple’s home staircase. This leads to Michael fighting a hard legal battle, while a French documentary maker seems interested in covering the case. This Antonio Campos creation, based on the 2004 true crime docuseries of the same name by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, throws light on the complexities of marriage and the secrets it hides. In line with the mysterious setting of ‘The Survivors,’ this drama is a poignant exploration of the underbelly of a family that seemed to be perfectly normal from the outside, before murder became the impediment in this convoluted tale.
8. Vienna Blood (2019-)
‘Vienna Blood’ is a period crime drama that follows Max Liebermann (Matthew Beard) , a student of the renowned Sigmund Freud, who assists Detective Oskar Reinhardt (Juergen Maurer) in the investigation of a string of disturbing killings in Vienna in the 1900s. Based on the ‘Liebermann’ novels by Frank Tallis, this Steve Thompson creation provides observations about the motives of the criminals. The thriller also examines the rising antisemitism of the times, reflected in the social treatment of the Liebermann family in the Vienna of the past, which was a vibrant setting of culture, art, and science. Max uses his insights as a student of Psychology to help Oskar get a deeper perspective on things. Though it doesn’t share the same small-town narrative of ‘The Survivors,’ it has commonalities in terms of motivations behind murders, study of criminals, and a brooding aesthetic sensibility.
7. The Pembrokeshire Murders (2021)
‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ follows the actions of officer Steve Wilkins (Luke Evans) as he reopens two unsolved murder cases from the 80s. Forensic evidence so far proves that the crimes are related to a series of robberies in the area. Steve and his team have to find relevant evidence, racing against the clock, before the alleged perpetrator is released from jail. This Nick Stevens creation is based on ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders: Catching the Bullseye Killer’ by Steve Wilkins. Centered around real events, this crime drama, akin to ‘The Survivors’, explores the brutality of criminals and values like perseverance and justice. It also offers commentary on the impact of true crime on individuals and communities.
6. Deadwater Fell (2020)
‘Deadwater Fell’ is a Daisy Coulam creation that follows a tragedy that happens in an isolated Scottish village, when a fire incident goes out of control at the home of Tom Kendrick (David Tennant), leading to the the deaths of his wife and their three kids, he becomes the only survivor of the tragedy. This gruesome crime, without any clear motive, becomes a difficult case for the investigators as they try to solve this mystery of the family that seemed perfectly happy. However, the truth seems to be far from it. Like ‘The Survivors,’ this tragic tale explores hidden truths, motivations, and uncovers darkness in an otherwise peaceful town.
5. The Chestnut Man (2021)
‘The Chestnut Man’ is a Danish crime thriller that traces mysterious murders that have figurines made out chestnuts in each crime scene. With a serial killer dubbed ‘The Chestnut Man’ at large, two detectives named Naia Thulin (Danica Curcic) and Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaardmust) must use all their wits to apprehend the perpetrator before more people are heinously killed. When a politician’s child goes missing, the case leads to twists and turns that have unintended consequences. With its eerie and brooding atmospheric aesthetics akin to ‘The Survivors,’ this Dorte Warnøe Hagh creation keeps the viewers hooked throughout its runtime. It explores the hidden fantasies of individuals and also offers commentary on the reasons why people become dangerous killers. Staying true to the genre of dark murder mysteries, it is a deeply cathartic experience for the viewers.
4. The Bay (2019-)
‘The Bay’ is a crime drama that follows Family Liaison Officer Lisa Armstrong (Morven Christie), investigating cases of missing people in the quaint sea town of Morecambe, England. Exploring ideas of grief, familial bonds, and secrets, this Daragh Carville creation is a haunting tale of complexities. Spread across four seasons, this well-received show is known for its originality and interesting characters. Lisa faces unforeseen hurdles when she is ordered to work with the Meredith family after two fifteen-year-old twins go missing. Lisa must also handle the inexperience of her partner in this investigation, Ahmed Kharim (Taheen Modak). Similar to ‘The Survivors,’ this drama explores themes such as family secrets, desperation, grief, and the fight for justice.
3. Mare of Easttown (2021)
‘Mare of Easttown’ is a crime thriller that focuses on the murder of a teenage girl in a small town in Pennsylvania, that upends the life of the lead detective named Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) in unexpected ways, as she tries to balance her own guilt and her professional duties. This drama, created by Brad Ingelsby, features a brilliant portrayal of female grief by Kate Winslet. Mare, a local hero of sorts, is forced to confront her inner demons, including a divorce, a dead son, and her love for her grandson, while dealing with many twists and turns in the complex murder case. The secrets of the town, the insecurity of people, the isolation of young people, and dark aesthetics form the nucleus of the show, which bears a close resemblance to analogous narrative elements in ‘The Survivors.’2.
2. Broadchurch (2013-2017)
‘Broadchurch’ begins with the discovery of the corpse of an 11-year-old boy on the beach of a quaint town in Dorset. Following this harrowing incident, the community becomes the focal point of police procedures and media frenzy. A non-local detective Inspector named Alec Hardy (David Tennant) is given the responsibility of investigating the murder, much to the dismay of Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman), who believes that it should have been her case instead. When the two are forced to work together, they must build a working professional rapport as members of the small community find themselves embroiled in this mystery. What follows in this crime drama created by Chris Chibnall is an exploration of familial grief, suspicions, and secrets, in close resemblance to the narrative elements seen in ‘The Survivors,’ which is also set in a small town.
1. Top of the Lake (2013)
‘Top of the Lake’ is a mystery thriller set in a remote mountain town in New Zealand. It centers on the case of a twelve-year-old pregnant girl named Tui Mitcham who goes missing. First seen being pulled out of a freezing lake, the girl vanishes. Detective Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss), a courageous but amateur, is given the responsibility of handling the case. She realizes that not only must she find the girl, but also her own self, in the process of searching. The narrative comments on the challenges faced by women in a world that objectifies them, while they struggle to achieve autonomy. Like ‘The Survivors,’ it also unravels the toxic secrets of small communities in idyllic settings that cause social injustice and violence.
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