A “disturbing” true crime story on Netflix boasts an impressive star-studded cast.
Netflix subscribers can dive into this gripping true crime thriller featuring stars from Bloodlands and The Crown.
The streaming platform has built a strong reputation for showcasing British crime dramas, having previously featured The Victim, The Dublin Murders and Giri/Haji.
One series that may have slipped under viewers’ radar is the four-episode crime drama The Secret, which originally premiered on ITV a decade ago.
Taking place in Northern Ireland, the thriller recounts the genuine story of the disturbing 1991 double homicide carried out by Colin Howell and Hazel Buchanan.
According to Netflix’s description: “A dentist and a Sunday school teacher begin a torrid extramarital affair that leads them to make a murderous pact.”
The Secret, adapted from Deric Henderson’s factual account Let This Be Our Secret, depicts Howell and Buchanan conspiring to kill their respective partners.
The pair subsequently orchestrated their deaths to appear as a suicide pact, concealing their crimes for nearly two decades.
Irish actor James Nesbitt takes the lead role as Howell, renowned for his work in Cold Feet, Bloodlands, The Missing and Murphy’s Law.
Joining him is Andor’s Genevieve O’Reilly portraying Hazel Buchanan, alongside Hex’s Laura Pyper and Hollyoaks’ Glen Wallace as their unfortunate victims.
Jason Watkins, known for The Crown, Trollied and McDonald and Dodds, also features in The Secret as Pastor John Hansford.
Encouraging viewers to watch this four-part drama, enthusiasts have been lavishing praise upon it across Reddit and IMDb.
Describing it as a “gripping drama”, one viewer commented: “Fantastic performances from James Nesbitt and Genevieve O’Reilly in this true story film.
“It was such a great programme that we watched all four parts in one go. Strongly recommend you watch it.
“I can’t say enough about the superb acting. I was so immersed in it,” another concurred.
A further viewer remarked: “A peculiar and disturbing dramatization of a real life murder”, going on to say it’s “an impressive, well made dramatisation of cold blooded ruthlessness”.
Meanwhile, others were particularly struck by Nesbitt’s portrayal, with many describing it as “creepy” and “absolutely chilling”.
One more viewer noted: “He was absolutely terrifying and truly creepy in The Secret. The whole thing stayed with me after the series for a little bit.”
The Secret is available to watch on Netflix.
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