Some fans have hailed the drama as “the best Agatha Christie adaptation of all time”
A period drama has left viewers hooked(Image: BBC/Jonny Birch)
Fans of period dramas have been binge-watching a cherished series that was filmed in and around Bristol.
Viewers are being encouraged to tune into a two-part mystery drama that’s loosely inspired by Agatha Christie’s novel of the same title.
The Pale Horse was directed by Leonora Lonsdale, working from a screenplay by Sarah Phelps, marking her fifth Christie adaptation for the BBC.
Following the launch of a murder enquiry into a young woman’s death, a cryptic list of names is found in her shoe, sparking an investigation not just to identify the perpetrator, but to decipher the significance of the names.
Among those listed is Mark Easterbrook. He begins looking into how and why his name features on the list, a quest that takes him to The Pale Horse – the unusual residence of three alleged witches in the idyllic village of Much Deeping, reports Wales Online.
The Pale Horse is streaming for free(Image: BBC)
“Past and present collide for Mark as he uncovers ties between his deceased first wife, Delphine, and the witches. As more people named on the list are found dead, Mark starts to fear for his own life and sanity,” the official synopsis continues.
“Despite Mark’s skepticism of the paranormal, he cannot help but be consumed by the increasingly strange and extraordinary things happening around him. Is this too the work of the witches of The Pale Horse, and does this mean he is next on their list? Or can he find a rational explanation and identify the killer before they catch up with him.”
Rufus Sewell leads the cast as Mark Easterbrook, with Georgina Campbell portraying his wife Delphine. The ensemble further includes Sheila Atim, Bertie Carvel, Kathy Kiera Clarke, James Fleet, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Claire Skinner, Rita Tushingham, Sean Pertwee and Kaya Scodelario.
The Pale Horse was primarily shot in Bristol and the Cotswolds. Bristol filming locations include The Bottle Yard Studios, Denmark Street, West Mall, Queen Square and St Nicholas Market. In Gloucestershire, production occurred in the small village of Bisley, with The Bear Inn doubling as the fictional Pale Horse pub.
The series, which is currently available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer, holds a fresh rating of 79% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
Rufus Sewell leads the cast(Image: BBC)
Critics described the drama as an “unorthodox Christie adaptation”, while others commended the “violent horror” and “dark and creepy” atmosphere.
Viewers have likewise heaped praise on the series, with one IMDb user stating: “Defo the best Agatha Christie adaptation of all time.”
Someone else remarked: “Creepy delight. It had a bit of everything in it. Just as good as any horror film,” while another declared: “Must-watch. Creepy masterpiece.”
One viewer observed: “Masterful adaptation of Christie. Set design and photography is spectacular. A veritable visual feast,” with another noting: “British period drama at its best. I think it’s even better than the book.”
A sixth viewer shared similar thoughts, commenting: “Creepy horror version of the original novel. So so good!”
The Pale Horse is streaming for free on BBC iPlayer