“Unraveling the Dark Secrets of Wolf: A Compelling yet Troubling BBC One Series”

Review: Wolf, BBC One

A Deep Unpleasantness Spoils this Offbeat Thriller

By Anita Singh, Arts and Entertainment Editor

31 July 2023 • 10:00pm

The new BBC One series Wolf, based on Mo Hayder’s crime novels, presents a decent mystery with strong performances, yet it is unfortunately overshadowed by a deep unpleasantness that permeates the show. This dark tone, combined with awkward attempts at humor, creates a jarring viewing experience.

A Grotesque Primetime Entertainment

Mo Hayder, known for her disturbing thrillers, once described her work as “wiggling my toes in life’s gutters, examining the worst in the human condition.” Unfortunately, the BBC has taken this idea and turned it into primetime entertainment with Wolf. The six-part series, produced by the same team behind Sherlock, could be described as grotesque, but the program-makers seemingly view this as a compliment.

Two Storylines Intertwined

The opening episode of Wolf introduces two storylines that will eventually intertwine. DI Jack Caffery, haunted by the abduction of his little brother, fixates on a neighbor whom he believes to be responsible for the disappearance. Meanwhile, the wealthy Anchor-Ferrers family, consisting of Matilda, Jimmy, and their daughter Lucia, return to their lavish estate in Monmouthshire after living in London. Their lives take a chilling turn when two men pretending to be detectives arrive at their door and take them hostage, explaining their desire to make them truly scared.

A Mix of Mystery and Unpleasant Imagery

While there is a promising mystery at the core of the series, centered on the identities and motivations of the captors, it unfortunately gets lost in the sheer unpleasantness that permeates the show. The themes of home invasion, torture, and the threat of rape and murder tap into our deepest fears, veering into uncomfortable territory. Additionally, the show includes other grim crimes that further contribute to this unsettling atmosphere.

The Tonal Missteps

Wolf seemingly attempts to blend macabre drama with humor, but the execution feels off. The two actors portraying the bogus detectives, Iwan Rheon and Sacha Dhawan, try to inject comedy into their performances, but it comes across as self-conscious and odd. One particular example is a dance scene in the final episode, which feels out of place. The inclusion of nods to other shows, such as Doctor Who, feels forced and unnecessary.

The Saving Graces

Despite its flaws, Wolf does have a couple of redeeming qualities. The production earns two stars for the standout performances of Ukweli Roach as DI Jack Caffery and Juliet Stevenson as Matilda Anchor-Ferrers. Roach manages to deliver a commendable portrayal of a detective with a troubled past, despite the inherent clichés in the character. Stevenson, on the other hand, delivers a top-notch performance, effectively conveying the fear and terror of her character.

Conclusion

Wolf, though it promises a compelling mystery and showcases strong performances, is ultimately marred by its deep unpleasantness and jarring tonal shifts. The dark and unsettling themes, combined with forced humor, detract from the overall viewing experience. While there are a few twists near the end that may captivate dedicated viewers, it is difficult to fully recommend this series to a wider audience.