Des (2020) Mini Series Review

So this show has taken over The UK this week and I have just watched the three part mini series called Des and here is my review for it. The premise of the show is based on the true story of a serial killer who is arrested when human remains are found in his drains. 

Main Character

David Tennant plays Des and just give this guy all the awards now as he is truly amazing here. He totally throws himself into this performance and it comes across as chilling and mesmerizing, you just can't take your eyes off of him and are super interesting. When telling a real story about a serial killer there is a line that needs to be kept, you don't want to make him too fascinating and you don't want to make him too boring and Tennant nails this. He just seems so normal and that is what makes it so creepy and it really leads to this incredibly memorable performance. 

Supporting Characters

Daniel Mays has had an interesting 2020 from Code 4040 to White Lines to his role as the main police officer in this show and he is fantastic here. He is so good that I actually wasn't sure he was capable of this performance he is that good here, he gives a very dramatic performance and seeing this guy tracking the case makes you want to root for him and see him succeed. Jason Watkins who is a big British actor plays Des' biographer and he is very good too, his relationship with Des is really interesting to watch. It is very unnerving and disturbing but you see how they need each other and it brings out the interesting part of Des's story that the other police officers can't get. The rest of the cast are also great, it's full of great British talent that will hopefully have a long future and get more great work like this.  

Story

The story is really interesting, this is based on a true story which is what really makes this horrific but for me it is the fact that Des doesn't stand out particularly, he seems a normal guy who was pretty intelligent but he was capable of true horrors. The investigation is gripping and intense, mix that with the interesting scenes with the biographer it feels like a complex story that we are seeing from different angles. Also the courtroom scenes in the final episode are a highlight keeping you on your toes throughout.  

Script

The script is great, there are twists and turns throughout and it keeps you interested throughout. The characters are written in a complex manner and the debates are really interesting which culmiate in some intense scenes. It just comes across as a really clever show that does a good job in adding the intrigue and tension. 

Style

The style is gripping and tense, some people might call it slow at times but I never felt that. It dragged me in and made me really interested and wanting to see this guy get taken down while learning more about him. This show also knew that 3 episodes was enough and the fact that it is shorter in length works and means there is very little downtime on the show. 

Overall

Overall, this is just one of those shows that sucked me in and had me fascinated, it is one of the best of the year and if you are a fan of intense stories based on true events then you owe it to yourself to watch this one, and once again David Tenant is amazing here.  

Rating - 10/10