Vigil

Vigil is a gripping British police procedural and thriller series that premiered in 2021, starring Suranne Jones as DCI Amy Silva. The series unfolds in the subterranean world of a nuclear submarine, HMS Vigil, where a mysterious death at sea triggers an urgent investigation. DCI Silva is dispatched to delve into the complexities of the case while simultaneously navigating the tension and secrets encapsulated within the submarine’s crew. As Silva pulls at the threads of the mystery, she discovers that the stakes are much higher than anticipated, not only involving the military and maritime communities but also threatening national security. The show masterfully blends suspense, intrigue, and character-driven storytelling, making it a gripping watch for fans of crime dramas and thrillers. With its atmospheric setting and complex relationships, Vigil consistently keeps audiences on edge as the plot thickens with each episode, ultimately leading to a compelling commentary on duty and morality in extreme situations.

Vigil has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, highlighted by its IMDb rating of 7.4/10. The show has been praised for its authentic portrayal of life aboard a submarine, with particular acclaim for Suranne Jones’ commanding performance. The Guardian described it as 'a tense, sophisticated drama that paints a layered picture of the military's inner workings' and complimented the show's ability to intertwine personal relationships with the overarching thriller narrative. Critics have noted that the series does an excellent job of blending police procedural elements with chilling suspense, drawing comparisons to other successful dramas like Line of Duty. However, there have been some criticisms regarding pacing and character development. According to Den of Geek, 'while Vigil is compelling in its atmosphere, certain episodes feel drawn out, with subplots that could have been tightened up.' Nonetheless, fans of the genre have responded well to the series, evident from the positive audience engagement on Rotten Tomatoes, where users have lauded it as 'a rollercoaster of tension and intrigue.' Overall, Vigil stands as a well-crafted series that captivates viewers interested in a sophisticated blend of thriller and drama.