MOVIE REVIEW
Whitstable Pearl: Series 1 & 2
TV-14 -     

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year Released: 2021 -
Runtime: 12 x 45m episodes
Creator(s): Øystein Karlsen, Julie Wassmer
Director(s): Jon Jones, Matt Carter, Chanya Button, David Caffrey
Cast: Howard Charles, Frances Barber, Isobelle Molloy, Sophia Del Pizzo, Kerry Godliman, Rohan Nedd
Where To Watch: arrives on DVD and digital on March 25, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: WHITSTABLE PEARL series 1 & 2 navigates through Whitstable's charming yet mysterious waters, delivering a visually appealing and narratively engaging season. Kerry Godliman's portrayal of Pearl Nolan, who runs the Whitstable Pearl, a seafood restaurant in the coastal town of Whitstable (a city in the Canterbury district on the north coast of Kent in southeastern England), offers us a blend of personal dilemmas, romantic entanglements, and the steadfast pursuit of justice. With Whitstable playing a pivotal role, this series dives into complex relationships and thrilling mysteries, making every episode engaging.

Creator Øystein Karlsen captures the essence of the historic town, using its unique setting as a backdrop for Pearl's detective work. The intertwining of her professional and personal life, particularly her evolving dynamics with DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles) and the introduction of Tom Grant (Robert Webb,) craft a storyline rich with emotion and intrigue. It’s a visual and narrative journey through a town teeming with secrets and charm.

The shift from Pearl and McGuire's romantic history later on to a more professional collaboration brings a fresh layer to their relationship, providing depth to the storyline. Adding Tom into the mix further complicates Pearl's life, making for a riveting watch as she navigates through love and crime-solving. It's a portrayal of life’s complexities wrapped in the quaint setting of Whitstable.

Beyond the personal tales, WHITSTABLE PEARL delves into the fabric of societal issues, portraying class disparities and the essence of small-town secrecy with a finesse that only enhances its charm. This blend of personal and broader social themes lends the series a rich and compelling texture.

As the series unfolds, viewers are treated to a spectrum of mysteries, from the heart-wrenching to the spine-chilling. Each episode showcases Pearl and McGuire’s growing partnership, set against challenges and personal growth. It’s a testament to the series' ability to weave multiple threads into a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Godliman’s portrayal of Pearl Nolan is the series' anchor, bringing depth, relatability, and inspiration to the role. Her journey from restaurateur to detective is portrayed with a realism that resonates, making WHITSTABLE PEARL more than just a mystery drama—it’s a story of resilience, growth, and the quest for truth.

The series respects the detective genre while marking its territory with a unique blend of character-driven stories and picturesque settings. It’s a series that manages to be both a nod to the classics and a fresh take on the mystery drama genre. With each episode, WHITSTABLE PEARL invites viewers into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist, making it a journey worth embarking on.

WHITSTABLE PEARL serves up a delightful mix of drama, mystery, and personal evolution against the stunning backdrop of Whitstable. It's a series that captures the beauty and complexity of its setting and characters, making it a fascinating watch for anyone who enjoys a good story. Whether you’re drawn in by the tangled mysteries, the character development, or the scenic vistas of Kent’s coastline, WHITSTABLE PEARL offers a bit of everything, cementing its place as a compelling series to watch.

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[photo courtesy of ACORN MEDIA INTERNATIONAL]

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