Review: True Detective: Night Country is a masterclass in thrilling TV ☆☆☆☆☆

True Detective is back with a fourth season, True Detective: Night Country and the wait was worth it. It’s one of the best crime dramas we’ve seen in years.

When the long winter night falls in Ennis, Alaska, the eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanish without a trace. To solve the case, Detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) will have to confront the darkness they carry in themselves, and dig into the haunted truths that lie buried under the eternal ice.

Is True Detective: Night Country worth watching?

Hell yeah! If you love a good dark drama set in the ice, and you’re still panging for more Fortitude, this is for you.

In the icy wilderness of Ennis, Alaska, where the sun refuses to rise during the winter months, Night Country unravels a gripping tale of mystery and the supernatural. Jodie Foster delivers a bracing performance as Liz Danvers, the sharp-witted and acerbic police chief investigating the sudden disappearance of eight scientists from a research center. The series, crafted by the talented Issa López, seamlessly blends eerie suspense, vibrant characters, and a touch of the supernatural, creating a truly unique viewing experience.

From the opening credits, Night Country establishes an atmosphere of palpable creepiness, setting the stage for a narrative that lives up to the exhilarating promise of the original season of True Detective. Foster’s portrayal of Liz, an utterly rational character with a sardonic wit, brings depth to the series, making her stern demeanor sympathetic and relatable. The film skillfully delves into Liz’s backstory, unveiling the reasons behind her professional exile to Ennis and her complex relationship with her belligerent stepdaughter.

True Detective aficionados will find familiarity in the dual-heroine dynamic, as Liz partners with Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis), a State Trooper of Native Inupiaq heritage. Reis, a champion boxer turned actor, holds her own against Foster, delivering an intense and instinctive performance. The fraught and mysterious relationship between Liz and Navarro adds an additional layer of intrigue to the unfolding investigation.

López’s meticulous plotting keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the missing scientists’ whereabouts are revealed in the first episode, only to plunge the narrative into deeper complexity. The series masterfully weaves together the threads of unsolved murders, environmental protests, and supernatural elements, creating a web of mystery that becomes more tangled with each revelation.

The supporting cast, including Finn Bennett and John Hawkes, contributes to the series’ sharpness and authenticity. Bennett’s portrayal of a young policeman idolizing Liz adds a touch of humor, while Hawkes’ disgruntled character, Hank, adds familial tension to the police force.

Night Country transcends its True Detective inspiration with a fresh perspective. López infuses the narrative with spirituality and cultural richness, exploring the town’s belief in the inexplicable. Symbols and images permeate the storyline, adding layers of complexity and intrigue. As darkness descends, the characters spiral into chaos, culminating in shocking twists that send shivers down the audience’s spine.

In the final episode, Night Country offers a bold callback to True Detective season one, solidifying its connection to the acclaimed series. While the explanation for the men’s disappearance may raise eyebrows, López succeeds in creating a fierce, absorbing, and richly imagined thriller. Night Country stands as a testament to López’s ability to breathe new life into the True Detective framework, delivering a chilling and unforgettable viewing experience.

★★★★★

Stream True Detective: Night Country on MAX in the US from 14 January and on Sky Atlantic/NOW in the UK from 15 January. Get a NOW Entertainment pass to stream it on a Humax set-top box.