The World Of Small-Town Big-News Mysteries

Isn't it fascinating what a good storyline, excellent actors and memorable cinematography can do to make you jump down a rabbit hole of more such works that keep you on your toes with its tales? I recently went through such a journey (and honestly am still lost in this wonderland blissfully) when a few months ago, scrolling through Netflix, my eyes fell upon the new releases and I was intrigued by the title 'Broadchurch'. Now, I knew of it from the subtle stalking I did of David Tennant during my initial Dr. Who days. But it hadn't been something in my radar for quite a while. So, I took a dive into this series and man, was it a trip?!

A story that drives home the fact that our worst enemies maybe the closest to us and that there is nothing more tiring than due process in cases of clear conviction. The unsettling untimely death of a young boy that unravels the nerves of a small town in Scotland was masterfully manufactured by the director and writer. It also didn't help my nerves that we knew the culprits' identity and yet had to watch the police struggle to get the man behind bars. It had me wondering at how well a story works when done with all its accompaniments close to perfection. I also couldn't help marvel at the intensity it brings when we concentrate on a major case that shakes up an isolated settlement where everyone is well-acquainted with each other. We get to see how being a close-knit community could affect the process of investigation as many emotions come into play that may deter and complicate the situation further. And as I consumed more such media, I couldn't help but fall in love with this style of storytelling. An entire span of a series or one season that concentrate on a single case that shakes up the normalcy of a town in whose history and future this mystery will loom as a patch of darkness that was never overcome. Stories that can never be forgotten. And while the mystery in itself is grand and alluring with its dark and brooding design, even more so it was the effortless pairing with the particular setting and backdrop that had me invested. Following a pattern without tiring its demand is truly hard to achieve and shows the impeccable skills of the crew and cast. Shows like Criminal Minds, The Mentalist and Rizzoli&Isles sure will be iconic for their case per episode style and pioneers like NCIS and Law&Order will always be special, but this genre where there is a dedicated effort by a few individuals to tackle a single mystery through the course of 11-14 episodes is one that I find particularly enthralling. The theme is set in stone and the story is solid, with execution that simply grips you through its slow yet steady pace. Stories like that of Shetland, The Valhalla Murders, Y Gwyll (Hinterland) and so many more fall under this popular genre. Some elements that become a natural yet ever-present part of such stories are: 1. The lead (or second lead) from a higher authoritative body of justice 2. The second lead (or lead) who is extremely well-adjusted to the job, even possibly the best at his place of work 3. The characters all have complications in their respective lives that give reason for multiple storylines intertwined with the main plot 4. The suspect is never one dimensional and somehow his/her history with the place will plays a major role in the plot line 5. In context of cinematography and visuals, the colour grading is usually cold, a play on the shivers that the story leaves you with but show hints of warm tones where the story has a revelation or a moment of happiness 6. Long and wide shots dispersed evenly over the course of the series with a low humming soundtrack gives short intervals for the mind to process the progress.

7. Subtle nuances are often used to hint at clues that become the point of focus later on.

8. The crime is elaborate and gruesome with no sense of motive, creating a sense of terror that hangs in the air and amongst the folks.

So next time you crave for a good thriller that will keep you wishing for more, check out this amazing niche corner of the investigative genre!