The ‘perfect example’ of a true crime series, The Pembrokeshire Murders, is now available on Netflix. Originally aired on ITV, the series is expected to be welcomed by a new audience as it is released on the streaming giant.
The three-part drama delves into two unsolved double murders from the 1980s that haunted the Dyfed Powys police force. In 2006, newly promoted Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins decided to reopen both cases.
Using cutting-edge forensic techniques, Wilkins and his selected team discovered microscopic DNA and fibres that potentially connected the murders to a series of burglaries committed in the 80s and 90s.
Luke Evans, famed for his roles in The Hobbit trilogy and the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast, portrays Steve Wilson. Keith Allen steps into the shoes of serial killer John Cooper.
The series, which debuted in 2021, is based on real events involving Cooper and how he was eventually apprehended. This includes the fact he appeared on TV gameshow Bullseye, which aided authorities in matching him from sketches created from witness descriptions, reports the Mirror.
It is based on the book penned by the real-life detective who worked on the case. When the series originally graced our screens, critics showered it with accolades, and now, as it’s scheduled to drop on Netflix from December 1, there are high hopes for captivating a new legion of fans.
A Guardian critic penned: “The Pembrokeshire Murders is a perfect example of how to do it well. It is sensitive when it needs to be, and never loses sight of who suffered.”
Meanwhile, the New Statesman lauded the show’s formidable performances, highlighting: “Evans has a face, strong and kind, that’s built for compassion, and a voice that makes instant poetry of everything… But it was Keith Allen who stole the show as Cooper.”
Viewers echoed the praise with an online admirer remarking: “This is, by far, one of the BEST true crime limited series that I’ve ever seen. The acting is outstanding, the writing is brilliant and the cinematography is breath taking. It was shot in Wales. Authenticity was a top priority.”
However, amidst the applause, some expressed a desire for more, noting the short run as the only disappointment. A comment read: “Excellent. This is one of those rare good examples of the ‘based on true story’ crime dramas. The only complaint I have is that it was too short. For me, only three episodes was not enough to tell the story of operation Ottawa.”
“It seemed like this was a quick abstract of a much longer story with much more details. Ottawa lasted for full three years. Be that as it may, the dramatic tension was well though out, and the resolution felt very satisfying. It was very well done.”
The Pembrokeshire Murders is streaming on Netflix and ITVX