The Beast Must Die

The Beast Must Die is a psychological crime drama that centers on a grieving mother’s search for justice after her son is killed in a hit-and-run. Starring Cush Jumbo as Frances Cairnes and Jared Harris as the enigmatic George Rattery, the series is based on the 1938 novel by Nicholas Blake but updated with a modern tone and emotional intensity. Set on the Isle of Wight, the show combines classic whodunit structure with raw, character-driven storytelling, diving deep into the emotional weight of grief, revenge, and moral ambiguity.

Frances, convinced that the police have failed her, takes matters into her own hands. She infiltrates the family of the man she believes killed her son, posing as a writer to get close to her target. What follows is a tense and emotionally charged character study, as Frances navigates the psychological toll of pretending to be someone else while wrestling with her desire for vengeance. Jared Harris’s George Rattery is both charming and repellent, and his performance leaves the audience unsure whether he is truly guilty. The suspense doesn't rely solely on the murder mystery but also on the emotional unraveling of the characters.

DS Nigel Strangeways, played by Billy Howle, offers a brooding counterweight to Frances’s passionate grief. Still dealing with his own trauma and operating at the edge of his professional limits, Strangeways approaches the case with empathy rather than procedure. His unconventional methods and growing concern for Frances create a compelling secondary arc that adds depth to the series beyond its central revenge plot.

The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, capturing the isolation of the island and the claustrophobic nature of Frances’s double life. The pacing is slow and deliberate, mirroring the internal struggle of the characters rather than focusing on plot twists or shock value. Each episode builds on the last, not just in terms of plot, but emotional complexity.

The Beast Must Die stands out in the crowded crime drama genre by asking not just “Who did it?” but “What happens to those left behind?” It’s a story about the destructive power of grief, and how far someone might go to feel that justice has been served. With powerful performances and a gripping emotional core, the series offers more than a mystery—it delivers a haunting meditation on loss and revenge.