BBC One’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic tale, Towards Zero, has gripped viewers since its debut on March 2, 2025. This three-part series operates on the tension between characters before the pivotal murder, setting the tone for what’s to come. The story is set against the backdrop of Lady Tressilian’s estate at Gull’s Point, reimagined through the performances of Anjelica Huston as the matriarch and Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Nevile, embroiled in high-stakes personal drama.
With its roots firmly planted in Christie's 1936 novel, the series paints a vivid picture of troubled relationships and simmering envy. The plot revolves around Nevile, who finds himself at the center of his messy divorce from his public wife, Audrey (Ella Lily Hyland), as he prepares to start anew with the glamorous Kay Elliott (Mimi Keene). The audacity of inviting both women to the same honeymoon haunts the narrative and heightens the tension among the ensemble of characters who converge on the estate.
Director Sam Yates has pushed the boundaries of the traditional whodunit formula. He made the unconventional choice of not starting the first episode with the murder itself, explaining, "I decided pretty quickly it was... Who could kill? Who could murder?" His aim was to build tension through character interactions before delving deep to reveal the inevitable crime. This decision has been met with both praise for its originality and some criticism for its pacing.
Jackson-Cohen remarked on the intriguing configuration of the story, describing it as not merely about who will commit the crime but creating "a threatening tone" bubbling with underlying sexual tension and dread as interpersonal dramas unfurl. Viewers echoed mixed feelings on social media, expressing anticipation for the presumed murder central to Christie’s narratives. One viewer expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Get on with it! All we've had is a random person drowning," reflecting the sentiment after the first episode lacked immediate dramatic action.
The character dynamics are certainly compelling, with Jackson-Cohen's Nevile caught between the alluring Kay and the emotionally charged Audrey. Supporting talents like Jack Farthing, portraying the troubled cousin Thomas Royde, breathe life and depth to the ensemble. Their performances add layers to the suspenseful atmosphere enveloped by the waves crashing against the shores of Gull's Point, crafted skillfully with Bernard Herrmann-style score enhancing the mood.
While audiences know death looms, the initial episodes have prioritized cerebral intrigue over visceral shock, challenging viewers to engage more with the motives and histories of the characters. Rachel Bennette’s adaptation carefully preserves Christie’s themes of deceit, celebrity, and vulnerability, even as some fans are left yearning for more immediate action.
James Prichard, Agatha Christie’s great-grandson, serves as executive producer and emphasizes the fidelity to the spirit of Christie's work, asserting, "If I have one thing... it is get the sense of seriousness with Agatha Christie back again." He underscored the importance of presenting murder as significant, remarking on Christie's clean approach devoid of gore, decidedly impactful nonetheless.
The first episode has set the stage for viewers to ponder the myriad of motives swirling around the cast, each character lurking with potential treachery. The adaptation does more than just evoke the classic detective genre; it invites reflection on the underlying motivations driving human behavior, showcasing the complex webs—of jealousy and despair—that Christie is renowned for unraveling.
Despite critiques surrounding the pacing, the character-driven approach resonates well, sustaining interest as the plot develops. Viewers remain encouraged to join this gripping adaptation, where the promise of murder is ever-present, waiting to transpire within the confined walls of Lady Tressilian’s estate.
Towards Zero is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to immerse themselves fully as the tension builds toward the inevitable crime and the subsequent unraveling of its mystery.