Critics Declare New British Crime Series 'Under Salt Marsh' Superior to Classic Broadchurch
In an era saturated with exceptional British crime dramas, from the intense narratives of Happy Valley and Line of Duty to the captivating stories of Vera and Luther, selecting the next must-watch show can be a daunting task for viewers. However, a brand new series has emerged that is rapidly gaining acclaim as not just another entry in the genre, but as a standout masterpiece. Under Salt Marsh, which premiered just last week, is already being celebrated by reviewers as "better than Broadchurch" and hailed as the finest programme currently airing on television.
A Stellar Cast and Atmospheric Setting
This moody and atmospheric drama boasts an exceptionally talented ensemble cast, led by Kelly Reilly, renowned for her role in Yellowstone, alongside Rafe Spall from The English and the legendary acting powerhouse Jonathan Pryce. Pryce's illustrious career includes memorable performances in The Two Popes, The Crown, and Game of Thrones. The series has achieved a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its critical acclaim and immediate impact.
The narrative unfolds in the isolated coastal village of Morfa Halen, located in north-west Wales, a community under severe threat from rising sea levels. This fictional setting is directly inspired by the real Welsh village of Fairbourne, where residents genuinely face the prospect of abandoning their homes due to environmental challenges. Authentic sequences were filmed in Fairbourne itself, with breathtaking marshland footage captured in the nearby Mawddach Estuary, adding a layer of realism and visual grandeur to the production.
Compelling Plot and Critical Acclaim
Within this evocative wetland environment, Reilly's character, Jackie Ellis, a former detective who has transitioned to teaching, makes a grim discovery: the corpse of a young boy. This tragic find reopens old wounds, specifically the trauma of an unresolved case involving a missing girl from the village three years earlier, an investigation that ultimately led to the end of Ellis's policing career. The dual storyline weaves personal drama with broader environmental themes, creating a rich and engaging narrative tapestry.
Reviewers have been effusive in their praise. Vogue contributor Daisy Jones noted the difficulty in finding genuinely compelling British crime dramas amidst a sea of disposable content, stating, "Under Salt Marsh... is one such drama that's worth paying attention to. It's one of the more gripping thrillers I've seen in years." Meanwhile, Craig Mathiseon of the Sydney Morning Herald drew direct comparisons to the iconic series Broadchurch, which starred Olivia Colman and David Tennant and aired from 2013 to 2017. The Irish News went even further, declaring Under Salt Marsh to be "the best thing on TV right now."
Fact Versus Fiction: The Story's Real-World Roots
While the central crime plot involving the discovered body and the missing girl is a work of fiction, the environmental crisis depicted in the series is firmly rooted in actual events. The village of Fairbourne was informed in 2013 that it could become the world's first community of "climate refugees," with authorities initially proposing a "managed retreat" strategy. This plan suggested that sea defences would not be maintained beyond 2054, leading to eventual relocation and the village's surrender to the ocean.
Residents mounted fierce opposition to these proposals, which were never detailed extensively. Recent developments indicate that officials may be reconsidering their stance, potentially backtracking on earlier commitments to decommission the community. This real-life struggle adds profound depth and urgency to the series' environmental narrative, making it not only a thrilling crime drama but also a poignant commentary on contemporary climate issues.
Under Salt Marsh is available for streaming exclusively on Now TV, offering viewers immediate access to what is being touted as a potential landmark in British television drama. With its combination of top-tier performances, a gripping plot, and socially relevant themes, the series stands as a compelling new entry in the crime genre, worthy of the high praise it has already received.
