Apple TV's new thriller series, Nocturne, aims to draw audiences in with a compelling blend of the familiar and the unexpected. The show, available now, explores the aftermath of a serial killer's conviction when a presumed victim returns alive, charting the criminal mastermind's manipulation of law enforcement. Based on Lars Kepler’s crime novels and adapted by Rowan Joffe and John Hlavin, the debut episodes establish the intricate scheme of convicted killer Jurek Walter, portrayed by Stephen Graham. Jurek, currently housed in a psychiatric hospital, was convicted of a series of brutal killings, but seemingly convinced a jury of an insanity defense.
The series opens with a powerful sense of foreboding, introducing Jurek as a trapped yet menacing figure. His voice lures a fellow patient towards desperate measures, setting the stage for his central arc. Jurek appears brilliant and adept at psychological warfare, believing he is entitled to freedom or at least a reversal of his conviction, which he attributes to lies told by former homicide detective Jonah Lynn, played by Liev Schreiber. Jurek taunts Jonah and Special Agent Quinn (Poorna Jagannathan) with an offer: "the truth for the truth." He will help them locate more victims, including Felicia Frost, the sister of Michael, the boy who has resurfaced alive, if Jonah confesses to perjury. This proposition creates significant stakes, particularly for Agent Quinn, who has already taken a risk by involving the retired detective in her case.
Nocturne strategically places the audience a step ahead of the characters, a choice that could serve as a misdirect. A hospital worker named Karl (Rory Culkin), assigned to Jurek's care team, becomes instrumental. Their tense initial encounter highlights Jurek's predatory nature, as he presses a note into Karl's pocket, urging him to deliver it to his lawyer. This note appears to initiate the sequence of events leading to Michael's return and draws Jonah back into the investigation, as the children's mother, Ida Frost (Chrissy Metz), and the townspeople place their trust in him. FBI agent Saga Bauer (Zazie Beetz), Jonah's goddaughter, also advocates for his involvement, eventually going undercover as a patient to identify the source of leaked messages.
Both Jonah and Bauer have deeply personal connections to the case. Jonah, burdened by guilt over the accidental death of his wife and child, has spent years meticulously investigating the disappearances. Bauer's stepmother, Rebecca, was kidnapped by Jurek, and her father reportedly died by suicide after her disappearance. Agent Quinn voices skepticism regarding their involvement due to these conflicts of interest, but the urgency of finding Felicia Frost is used to justify their participation. Despite some stretches of credulity, the series' production value and strong performances maintain viewer engagement.
The Brilliance and Peril of Savant Intellect
Crime dramas that rely on exceptional intellect, from Sherlock Holmes to his adversaries, risk appearing contrived when characters effortlessly "know things" to advance the plot. Nocturne navigates this by showcasing Jurek's almost supernatural ability to read people and Jonah's uncanny intuition regarding Michael's location. These moments, while potentially leaning into convenience, are bolstered by Stephen Graham's compelling performance as Jurek. The show is also visually striking, with well-crafted production design that juxtaposes rustic exteriors with the oppressive interiors of Jurek's hospital.
Liev Schreiber delivers a grounded portrayal of a grieving man, invested in the case despite his personal turmoil. Zazie Beetz is convincing as a capable agent willing to take extreme measures, driven by Jurek's connection to her stepmother's disappearance and her own past trauma. Bill Camp offers a poignant performance as Chief Ellison, embodying the town's connection to the missing children.
Rory Culkin's portrayal of Karl, a seemingly compassionate nurse, adds another layer of intrigue. While his character's empathy is evident, his willingness to risk his career for a criminal he barely knows raises questions about his true motives. The narrative presents a potential plot contrivance or suggests Karl may be more than he appears, possibly connected to Jurek's scheme.
Jurek's magnetic and mercurial presence, as depicted by Graham, is central to the series' success. His ability to manipulate and command attention allows other characters, like the sharp Agent Bauer, to fall under his spell. The series explores themes of freedom, loss, redemption, and revenge, with the first two episodes laying a solid foundation for further exploration. The verdict for Nocturne's opening episodes is that while plot contrivances may arise, high production values and stellar performances make it a captivating watch.