This New 100%-Rated Detective Gem With 'Yellowstone' Star Is a Must-Watch for Fans of 'Broadchurch'

The British channel Sky Atlantic has launched the detective series Under Salt Marsh, which has earned comparisons to genre benchmarks like Broadchurch after just three of its six episodes.

Focusing on the tragic murder of a child in an isolated Welsh town, this dark and thoughtful series slowly but surely grips viewers as it delves into the secrets of a closed community.

What Is 'Under Salt Marsh' About?

The action unfolds in the bleak Welsh town of Morfa Halen, mired in rain and fog and wedged between the ocean and the hills. Amid warnings of an impending storm, local teacher Jackie (Kelly Reilly) finds the body of nine-year-old Kevin in a drainage ditch.

Detective Eric Bull (Rafe Spall) is assigned to the case, and it soon becomes clear that he and Jackie know each other – three years ago, she was his supervisor until she resigned over the unsolved disappearance of another nine-year-old girl.

The ages of the victims and the similarities in the crime scenes strongly suggest a connection.

'Under Salt Marsh' Is a Well-Written Detective Drama That Deserves More Attention

Although Under Salt Marsh may be overshadowed by other major premieres, it has all the qualities necessary to be one of the year's best detective projects. The crime merely serves as a catalyst, revealing long-standing cracks in a seemingly close-knit community.

Attention to detail, such as the connection between a child's death and illegal dumping, as well as the conflict between humans and nature, elevates the series beyond a simple procedural and transforms it into a socio-ecological parable.

Stylistically, Under Salt Marsh follows in the footsteps of Broadchurch, where tragedy serves as a mirror for society as a whole.

Don't Expect Fast-Paced Action From 'Under Salt Marsh' – It's a Thoughtful, Leisurely Show

Fans of fast-paced thrillers, where each episode unravels a case, may find the pace of Under Salt Marsh too slow. However, it allows viewers to immerse themselves in the town's oppressive atmosphere, where nature is not just a backdrop, but an antagonist.

The gathering storm reflects the escalating situation metaphorically: the ocean tries to wash away people's sins while they desperately try to keep their secrets.

The investigation steadily moves forward, with each episode revealing new character arcs and introducing new mysteries without rushing to the final revelation. It's the perfect show for long winter evenings, demanding attention and a willingness to solve the puzzle alongside the characters.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Under Salt Marsh'?

• Under Salt Marsh has 100% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 6.4/10.

Where to Watch 'Under Salt Marsh'?

Under Salt Marsh is available to watch on Sky and NOW.