‘Nocturne’ Review: Apple’s Answer to ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ Is a Massive Failure
Apple TV’s *Nocturne*, adapted from Lars Kepler’s crime novel *The Sandman*, is criticised for losing the qualities that made the book compelling. The review argues that the series is tedious despite strong performances, with its central detective feeling too familiar and one-note to anchor the story.
The series follows retired detective Jonah Lynn and FBI agent Saga Bauer as they investigate the return of a boy presumed dead and the disappearance of his sister, while imprisoned killer Jurek Walter exerts a chilling influence. The reviewer praises Zazie Beetz and Stephen Graham, but says their performances cannot overcome the show’s reliance on telling rather than showing; the assessment is based on its first seven episodes.
In short
- The adaptation is judged tedious despite its promising cast.
- Zazie Beetz and Stephen Graham are singled out for strong performances.
- The review says excessive telling weakens the crime drama.
Explained simply
Lars Kepler is the pen name of Swedish writing duo Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril, whose crime novels feature detective Joona Linna. The Sandman is one of those books, built around a case involving missing children and a dangerous killer.
The television adaptation centres on retired detective Jonah Lynn and FBI agent Saga Bauer as they investigate a boy’s return and his sister’s disappearance. Jurek Walter, an imprisoned killer, remains connected to the case, while Zazie Beetz and Stephen Graham play key roles. The comparison with The Silence of the Lambs refers to the familiar crime-thriller setup of investigators confronting a killer’s influence.