The psychological thriller series The Crow Girl has officially premiered as a box set exclusively on Paramount+ after being filmed entirely on location around Bristol, England. Released on January 16, 2025, this gripping six-part drama is based on the international best-selling novel by Erik Axl Sund, known for delivering dark and complex narratives. The series stars Eve Myles, Dougray Scott, and Katherine Kelly, and is produced by Buccaneer, the Emmy-winning creative team responsible for acclaimed shows like Irvine Welsh’s Crime and Marcella.
Filming kicked off early February 2024 and featured various iconic locations across the city, thereby bringing the story alive within the beautiful yet eerie streets of Bristol. The production utilized sites such as Queen Square, Bristol Harbourside, and Brean Beach, creating backdrops conducive to the unsettling atmosphere intrinsic to Nordic noir. Filming was coordinated from The Courtyard office complex in Bradley Stoke and was made possible with the support of the Bristol Film Office, which helped transform The Old Bank of England building on Wine Street to serve as the new headquarters for the fictional 'Bristol Metropolitan Police.'
Producer Tony Wood remarked on the suitability of Bristol for this adaptation, saying, "When replacing Stockholm, the home of The Crow Girl in the novel, Bristol was always such an obvious choice. Its maritime past, historical importance, strong local socio-political identity, and the brilliant aesthetic diversity all played beautifully... shooting in the city was a delight." This local backdrop proves perfect for the tense narrative, which follows the story of DCI Jeanette Kilburn (Myles) and her partner DI Lou Stanley (Scott) as they probe the brutal killings of young men found around the city, which are linked by the anaesthetic lidocaine. The series similarly confronts harsh realities of social issues such as immigration and abuse, presenting a narrative rooted not only in crime but also socio-political commentary.
Writer Milly Thomas, who adapted the script from Sund's original work, discussed her approach to relocating the story from Stockholm to Bristol. "Something I find particularly interesting as a writer is our British sensibilities when faced with the most horrible things. That’s something so important to me, the idea of humor and severity coexisting. The grandeur and caustic nature of the story aligns perfectly with Bristol’s unique character," she explained. Gardened within the local culture, The Crow Girl seeks to reflect community realities and struggles, blurring lines between crime and social commentary.
Filming was not without its logistical challenges, as producer Andy Mosse noted. "We worked with first-class crew members from Bristol and the South West, who are among the best in the country. It was definitely helpful being supported by the Bristol Film Office, making the job of planning across multiple locations as painless as possible." They accomplished this ambitious goal within tight budgets, proving England's West Country can compete with traditional filming locations.
This series marks the return of Eve Myles as DCI Kilburn, who brings to life the character's complexity, balancing her intense professional duties with personal struggles, including those within her family. Supported by Dougray Scott as her partner DI Stanley, the series gradually reveals his attributes beyond the traditional sidekick role, offering viewers multi-dimensional characters to invest their emotions. Katherine Kelly’s performance as therapist Dr. Sophia Craven also enriches the narrative, contributing significantly to the investigation's depth.
Beyond the on-screen talent, the series boasts impressive executive production, including music contributions by the iconic Slash from Guns N’ Roses, who took the time to visit the set during production. "I managed to go over to Bristol... there was great professionalism and camaraderie and passion for the project," Slash shared, indicating his enthusiasm for the creative endeavor. His unique rock background juxtaposed with the dark themes of the series, offers not just tension but also allure for audiences drawn by his musical heritage.
Critical reactions to The Crow Girl suggest it embodies both genre conventions and fresh storytelling approaches. Despite being labeled as another police procedural, it distinguishes itself by focusing on male victims and weaving complex narratives around societal issues. Critics have noted the atmospheric cinematography and ``layered storytelling... those who enjoy layered stories will appreciate how the show handles interweaving plots about wrongdoing, psychological damage, and survival. The show does not shy away from the darkness within the human experience, intricately connecting the narrative threads until they converge with intense revelations.
Overall, The Crow Girl promises to be more than mere entertainment; it's positioned as a reflection on contemporary issues underpinned by emotional storytelling and gripping performances. Viewers seeking both thrills and substance will find the new series available now on Paramount+, with its unique vision bringing Bristol’s culture and the unsettling atmosphere of Nordic noir together for compelling storytelling.