The Beast Must Dieis a captivating contemporary revenge thriller that takes place on the Isle of Wight. This intense series follows the story of Frances Cairnes, a mother determined to avenge the hit-and-run death of her six-year-old son. Fueled by grief and the desire for justice, Frances sets out on a mission to hunt down and kill the man she believes is responsible. Alongside her is Detective Strangeways, a troubled yet brilliant investigator tasked with unraveling the web of tragedy and bringing justice to the case.
A Stellar Cast
The series boasts a stellar cast, including renowned actors and rising stars. Cush Jumbo, known for her roles in The Good Wife and The Good Fight, delivers a powerful performance as Frances Cairnes. Billy Howle, from The Serpent and MotherFatherSon, brings depth to the character of Detective Strangeways. The cast also features Bafta-winning and Golden Globe & Emmy nominated Jared Harris, Bafta-nominated Geraldine James, Nathaniel Parker, Maeve Dermody, Mia Tomlinson, and newcomer Barney Sayburn.
The Creative Team
The Beast Must Die is directed by Dome Karukoski, known for his work on Tolkien and Tom of Finland. The series is produced by Sarada McDermott and adapted for the screen by screenwriter Gaby Chiappe. The gripping storyline is based on the novel by Nicholas Blake, the pen name of Cecil Day-Lewis CBE. Ed Rubin, Emma Broughton, Marina Brackenbury, David W Zucker, Nathaniel Parker, and Gaby Chiappe serve as executive producers, ensuring the series is brought to life with excellence.
Episode Descriptions
The series is comprised of five gripping episodes that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Episode 1 – Grief and Determination
In the first episode, Frances Cairnes embarks on her relentless search for the person responsible for her son’s death. Meanwhile, Detective Strangeways arrives on the Isle of Wight in search of a fresh start after the tragic loss of his colleague.
Episode 2 – A Plot for Revenge
Having identified the man she believes is responsible for her son’s death, Frances sets out on a dangerous mission to infiltrate his life and plot her revenge.
Episode 3 – A Deadly Plan Unfolds
As Frances becomes a house guest, she must carefully navigate her way through her murderous plan. Detective Strangeways, intrigued by Frances’ presence, begins to question the implications of her stay on the island.
Episode 4 – Threats and Unraveling Mysteries
Frances is on the brink of exacting her revenge when an unexpected turn of events threatens to derail her plans. Simultaneously, Detective Strangeways uncovers further leads in the unsolved case, intensifying the search for justice.
Episode 5 – Consequences and Unveiling Truths
Frances struggles to cope with the aftermath of her attempt to punish her son’s killer. Meanwhile, Detective Strangeways, blindsided by a surprising discovery, races against time to find the answers before it’s too late.
Introducing the Characters
The characters in The Beast Must Die are complex and multi-dimensional, driving the captivating storyline forward.
Frances Cairnes – A Mother’s Quest for Justice
Frances Cairnes, played by Cush Jumbo, is a woman in her mid-30s who tragically lost her husband in a sailing accident seven years ago. Her world is shattered once again when her six-year-old son is killed in a hit-and-run. Fueled by grief and determination, Frances embarks on a mission to seek justice for her son’s death. She is a woman driven by a feverish energy, willing to go to extraordinary lengths to achieve her goal.
Detective Strangeways – Brilliant yet Troubled
Billy Howle portrays Detective Strangeways, a brilliant investigator with a troubled past. Having learned early in life not to rely on others, Strangeways has become self-reliant and independent. As he grapples with his own demons and struggles to cope with the loss of his colleague, he becomes entangled in Frances’ quest for justice. With a sixth sense that something is amiss, Strangeways embarks on a covert investigation, determined to uncover the truth.
George Rattery – A Master Manipulator
Jared Harris takes on the role of George Rattery, a master manipulator who can read people and exploit their weaknesses. With an irresistible charm and astute understanding of human nature, George exerts control over those around him. His journey intertwines with Frances’ as their initial connection through an affair turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Lena – Lost and Vulnerable
Mia Tomlinson portrays Lena, a young and beautiful woman who is caught in the web of George’s manipulation. As Violet’s younger sister and George’s sister-in-law, Lena is tormented by her regretful involvement with George. In her search for validation and approval, she finds solace in Frances’ friendship. However, Lena remains fearful and insecure, constantly seeking validation from others.
Violet Rattery – A Shy Woman in George’s Shadow
Maeve Dermody plays Violet Rattery, a woman who once ran a successful pop-up shop with a friend. Drawn to George’s confidence and ability to make life easier, Violet fell in love with him. Over the years, she has become weaker and wonders if her weakness suits George’s controlling nature. Violet longs to be stronger, not only for her son but also for herself.
Joy Rattery – Ambition and Resentment
Geraldine James brings to life the character of Joy Rattery, George’s sister. Joy, who despises both her parents, internalized their beliefs about class and privilege. She saw George as the embodiment of the family’s restoration and poured all her ambition into him. However, as George’s success grew, Joy’s resentment and envy intensified, creating a complex dynamic between the siblings.
New Quotes from Cush Jumbo and Billy Howle
In an exclusive interview, Cush Jumbo and Billy Howle share their thoughts on The Beast Must Die and their characters.
Cush Jumbo describes the show as “dark, thrilling, and full of unexpected twists and turns.” She highlights the extraordinary lengths her character, Frances Cairnes, goes to seek justice for her murdered child. Jumbo emphasizes that any mother would do the same if given the opportunity.
Billy Howle characterizes the show as a tense and gripping thriller, combining elements of a procedural cop show and a detective cat-and-mouse game. He appreciates the talented cast, dramatic location, and engaging script. Howle expresses his excitement for new audiences to discover the show, as he believes it was initially overlooked.
When asked about filming on the Isle of Wight, Cush Jumbo shares that it was a bonding experience for the crew, as they were all bubbled in different houses due to lockdown restrictions. She fondly recalls learning to sail, a hobby she continues to pursue.
Billy Howle describes the filming experience as cold, windy, rainy, and picturesque. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Isle of Wight provided a stunning backdrop for the series.
In three words, Cush Jumbo characterizes The Beast Must Die as “murderous, scary, and thrilling.” Billy Howle sums it up as a “thriller with yachts,” hinting at the suspenseful nature of the show.
The Beast Must Die is a gripping contemporary revenge thriller that delves into the depths of grief, justice, and manipulation. With a stellar cast, compelling storyline, and unexpected twists, this series is sure to captivate audiences. Follow Frances Cairnes and Detective Strangeways as they navigate a web of tragedy, uncover secrets, and seek justice for a heinous crime. Tune in to ITVX this May 2nd to experience the thrilling world of The Beast Must Die.
Thank you for reading this post.