Emma Thompson’s New Thriller Series Might Be Her Most Chilling Role Yet
If you’re the kind of person who hears “Emma Thompson” and immediately adds something to your watchlist, get ready — the Oscar-winning actress is stepping into dark and twisty territory in a brand-new thriller that’s got mystery, missing children, and just the right amount of unsettling vibes. The eight-part series is called Down Cemetery Road, and no, it’s not as peaceful as the name suggests. In fact, it might just become your next favorite creepy British binge.
A Quiet Suburb, a Missing Girl, and Secrets Buried Deep
Based on Mick Herron’s novel, the story kicks off when a house in a quiet Oxford neighborhood explodes. Casual, right? Things get even weirder when a little girl vanishes in the aftermath, and nobody seems to care — except for one woman. Enter Sarah Tucker, played by Ruth Wilson, who can’t shake the feeling that something’s very wrong. Determined to find the truth, she teams up with private investigator Zoë Boehm, portrayed by Emma Thompson, who brings her own secrets and sharp instincts to the table. What starts as a simple investigation spirals into a dark web of lies, with people thought to be dead turning up alive… and others not staying that way for long.
The Cast Is Absolutely Stacked
Emma Thompson takes on the role of Zoë Boehm, and honestly, we’d watch her read a phone book — but thankfully, this role is way juicier. With iconic credits like Love Actually, Sense and Sensibility, and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Thompson is no stranger to complex, layered performances — but this one adds a shadowy twist. Ruth Wilson plays Sarah Tucker, the woman caught in the center of the mystery. You might recognize Wilson from The Affair, Luther, and His Dark Materials, and if her past roles are anything to go by, expect intensity, emotional depth, and maybe a little chaos. The supporting cast includes Adam Godley, Adeel Akhtar, Ella Bruccoleri, Aiysha Hart, Tom Riley, Tom Goodman-Hill, Darren Boyd, Sinead Matthews, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. In other words, it’s a who’s who of British TV talent — and things are about to get interesting.
When and Where You Can Watch It
Down Cemetery Road is coming to Apple TV+ with a bang — literally — on October 29th. The first two episodes will drop that day, and the remaining six will roll out weekly. So yes, you’ve got a reason to look forward to spooky season. And no, you don’t have to wait too long. If you don’t have Apple TV+ yet, this might just be the excuse you were looking for. Because let’s be honest — mysterious explosions, vanishing kids, and Emma Thompson solving conspiracies? That’s not something you scroll past.
Final Thoughts
With a plot that starts with a literal bang and spirals into deep, character-driven mystery, Down Cemetery Road is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing thrillers of the year. It blends the slow-burn suspense of British crime dramas with just enough weirdness to keep you guessing. And with Thompson and Wilson at the helm, expect smart dialogue, haunting tension, and at least one “wait, what just happened?” moment per episode. In a world full of generic thrillers, this one feels refreshingly twisted. Get your cozy blanket, your snacks, and maybe leave the lights on — things on Cemetery Road are about to get dark.