The review of Bodkin, Netflix's black comedy about an intricate mystery to be solved in the heart of Ireland.
Created by British screenwriter Jez Scharf and produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground production company, this new Netflix dark comedy promises to keep viewers glued to the screen with a gripping story set in a picturesque Irish coastal town. At the center of the plot is a group of bizarre podcasters, determined to shed light on a dark mystery that has remained unsolved for over a quarter of a century: the disappearance of three people during the Irish holiday of the dead, Samhain. Armed with microphones and audacity, our protagonists will do anything to bring the truth to light, while the dark secrets hidden behind the facade of the seemingly quiet town of Bodkin begin to reveal themselves.
As we will see in our review of Bodkin, between twists and suspicions, this series promises an exciting journey into the unknown, where nothing is as it seems and every clue leads to new and disturbing revelations. But not only that: the show is also an immersive experience in the heart of Ireland, among villages perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea and ancient traditions.
A matryoshka of secrets
A group of podcasters with very different personalities – podcast creator Gilbert Power (Will Forte), investigative reporter Dove (Siobhán Cullen), and IT expert Emmy (Robyn Cara) – fly to Ireland to investigate an unsolved mystery for over 25 years: three unrelated people disappeared during the Irish festival of the dead, Samhain, in the town of Bodkin, West Cork. But behind the appearance of a quiet community populated by good people, Bodkin hides dark stories, and many of its inhabitants do not seem enthusiastic about the interference of the three strangers. What Gilbert, Dove, and Emmy will discover, in fact, is that what happened to Bodkin many years before is actually just the tip of the iceberg of an intricate web of secrets.
A mix of genres
Bodkin is a fusion of genres that breaks the mold of the traditional mystery formula, cleverly mixing elements of criminal investigation with irresistible dark humor. This particular combination creates a particularly engaging narrative, which alternates moments of suspense with comic skits that can happen in the most unexpected moments. The series thus promises to lead the audience on a breathtaking journey through mystery, irony, and Irish charm, always keeping the tension alive with continuous twists and turns.
But in Bodkin, there is also a genuine pleasure in seeing the characters immerse themselves in the secrets of the past, of the seemingly quiet West Cork town but also of their personal lives. In this sense, the series challenges the traditional concept of "truth", stating that this is not always defined in black and white but, on the contrary, there are shades of gray that emerge as the story unfolds, pushing our protagonists to face thorny moral dilemmas.
An immersive setting
Immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of the most rural and authentic Ireland, Bodkin offers a breathtaking visual spectacle, which transports viewers on an unforgettable journey through picturesque landscapes and ancient traditions. Filmed against the backdrop of Dublin and the towns of Union Hall and Glandore in County Cork, the show can capture the true essence of the Irish countryside, with villages perched on cliffs and endless expanses of bright green vegetation acting as a backdrop perfect for a compelling narrative full of mystery.
Not only that: the setting itself becomes a character within the series, helping to enrich the story and creating an enigmatic atmosphere that will capture the viewer's imagination. Furthermore, great space is reserved for Irish traditions - such as Samhain, a sort of American Halloween but with older origins - which, intertwined with the plot, offer a very interesting lesson on the history and culture of the Emerald Isle.