7 Reasons Happy Valley is a must-see for police movie fans

Brit acting legend Sarah Lancashire leads the cast of the dark, gripping crime thriller Happy Valley – now airing on Drama

If you’re a fan of British crime movies but haven’t seen it yet Happy Valley However, it’s time to move it straight to the top of your TV bucket list.

The critically-acclaimed show features previous stars Opening the street starring Sarah Lancashire and written by Sally Wainwright, first hit theaters in 2014, and immediately captivated audiences.

The series follows Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah) as she discovers her late daughter Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton), Becky’s ex, has been released from prison. Eight years ago, Tommy raped Becky and she gave birth to their son, Ryan. However, Tommy’s actions haunted her every day and tragically she took her own life.

While Catherine grapples with immense guilt over her daughter’s death, she’s also trying to solve a workplace kidnapping case when local girl Ann Gallagher (Charlie Murphy) is arrested in a money-making plan.

Not only does the show have a unique and gripping storyline, full of dark twists and turns, but it also has loads of stellar performances and some of the most complex and compelling characters to hit their screens. ta.

Here are seven reasons (and more) why Happy Valley has found its way into our hearts and carved its place as one of the best British crime films to date.

1. Sarah Lancashire’s award-winning performance

Ever since Sarah Lancashire rose to fame on the Corrie cobblestones as Raquel Watts, we’ve known she’s an out-and-out star.

But nothing could prepare us for Sarah’s powerful performance like the brilliant, yet beautiful, flawed Catherine Cawood.

To say that Catherine is emotionally involved throughout the film is an understatement, but it’s a challenge that Sarah is more than just rising to, scene after scene.

2. Sally Wainwright’s Incredible Storytelling

Whether you watched The Last Tango in Halifax or devoured Mr. Jack , you’ll know there’s nothing like the poetry of Sally Wainwright. The talented screenwriter manages to weave intricate, intricate plotlines with his unique wit and charm to present an overall drama.

3. Darkness revolves

Prepare your jaw muscles to hit the floor more than once, as each and every episode has a “water-cooling” moment. On the other hand, Happy Valley may have become a catchphrase to watch, but Sally’s clever storytelling ensures that viewers will want more of the wonderfully somber storyline.

4. Convincing bad guys

Happy Valley Brought James Norton to the household position – and no wonder. His performance as Tommy Lee was damaged unremarkably, as he began his reign of terror on Catherine. And just when you thought he couldn’t get any worse, Tommy spoke up…and then some.

5. Catherine and Clare .’s Sisterly Relationship

Very few TV shows manage sibling relationships, warts and all. Step forward Happy Valley , as Catherine and her addicted sister Clare (Siobhan Finneran) take the center stage. Sometimes, Catherine wants to stop Clare as she struggles with her vices. In the end, though, she’s always supported her, leading to some of the most emotional moments in the entire series.

6. Yorkshire scene

After witnessing atrocities committed there, fans may not want to move to Calder Valley, West Yorkshire. But the show’s unique setting really becomes a character in its own right, and breathes new life into a genre we’d normally find in London or another big city.

7. Find the star

With stars from Sarah, Siobhan et al., respectively, the show has become an incubator for young British talent. Menacing Tommy is James Norton’s breakout role, while Peaky Blinders Sophie Rundle plays rookie policewoman Kirsten McAskill.

• Happy Valley airs Sundays at 10:30pm on drama channel – watch on Freeview 20, Sky and Virgin or live stream UKTV Play.