Fans of crime dramas like Vera have a new series to binge, with viewers calling the 'Red Riding Trilogy' an 'absolute masterpiece.' The limited series, based on David Peace's book series, originally aired in 2009 and consists of three feature-length episodes. It offers a dark, fictionalised account of the Yorkshire Ripper investigation, a notorious serial killer active in the 1970s and 1980s.
What Is the Red Riding Trilogy About?
The title refers to the historic county of Yorkshire, divided into three areas known as 'ridings,' where the murders take place. Set across Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, and wider West Yorkshire, the episodes follow recurring fictional characters 'through a bleak and violent world of police corruption and organised crime,' according to the series description.
Andrew Garfield stars as Eddie Dunford, an ambitious young journalist investigating the disappearances of missing girls. David Morrissey, known for 'Tip Toe,' plays Detective Superintendent Maurice Jobson, a man grappling with personal struggles. Sean Bean portrays John Dawson, a businessman entangled in corruption with local politicians.
Fan and Critic Reactions
The series was recommended on Reddit by a fan responding to a query about what to watch after Vera. Viewers have flocked to IMDb to share their praise. One reviewer called the opening episode 'a masterpiece,' adding: 'Some of the most gripping stuff I've ever seen on screen, the acting is top notch and story is...dark...very dark. Can't recommend it enough.'
Another viewer wrote: 'The best part of the movie is its very brutal and yet twisted ending that is filmed in a very intense way.' A third enthusiast described it as 'UK drama at its best,' urging: 'Please take the time to binge watch this... If you liked 'True Crime' you won't be disappointed.'
One final viewer praised it as 'gripping and horrifically fascinating,' noting: 'It's not often that a drama makes me really keen to read the original books but this series did. Having lived through those times, I found it weird to remember the atmosphere created by the Yorkshire Ripper murders, and the unrelenting sexism and misogyny faced by women back then, which is far from over-exaggerated in the screenplay.'
Where to Watch
The 'Red Riding Trilogy' is available to stream on Studiocanal Presents via Prime Video, with a 30-day free trial on offer. For independent, free, and confidential advice for anyone affected by crime in the UK, call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111.
