Forget capes and tights—Netflix's latest limited series Bodies proves that DC's Vertigo imprint can deliver mind-bending sci-fi without a single superhero in sight. Based on the graphic novel by Si Spencer, this eight-part British thriller weaves a murder mystery across four distinct time periods, creating a show that's as philosophical as it is pulse-pounding.
At its core, Bodies is a detective story with a twist: the same naked corpse appears on a London street in 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053. Four detectives—each from their own era—must solve the same murder, unaware that their cases are connected across time. The result is a layered narrative that blends period drama, family secrets, and existential questions about fate and free will.
A Stellar Ensemble Without Hollywood Glitz
One of the show's smartest moves is casting relatively unknown actors in the lead roles. Kyle Soller (known for Andor), Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Amaka Okafor, and Shira Haas play the four detectives, each bringing depth to characters grappling with personal demons. Soller's Detective Inspector Alfred Hillinghead, for instance, must hide his true identity in Victorian London, adding a poignant layer to the mystery. Okafor's Shahara Hasan, a modern-day single mother, emerges as the series' standout as she pieces together the supernatural puzzle.
Stephen Graham, a familiar face from Boardwalk Empire and Peaky Blinders, plays the enigmatic murder suspect who appears in every timeline. His chilling performance is the show's secret weapon, elevating each interrogation scene into a tense battle of wits.
Why 'Bodies' Is a Binge-Worthy Thriller
If time travel isn't your thing, the murder mystery at the heart of Bodies will hook you. The series is packed with red herrings, shady suspects, and shocking revelations that make it impossible to stop watching. It's a welcome departure from predictable cop procedurals, offering a gritty, atmospheric ride through foggy streets and smoke-filled rooms. The present-day timeline, in particular, benefits from Okafor's magnetic performance, as her character uncovers chilling truths that tie the centuries together.
For fans of complex time-travel stories, Bodies shares DNA with Netflix's acclaimed German series Dark, but it's more accessible and focused on the human cost of cheating death. The show asks profound questions: What if you could escape mortality? Would that make you a god or a monster? It's a dark exploration of power, corruption, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
If you're craving more underrated thrillers, check out our list of Forgotten '90s Thrillers That Hit Harder Today. And for another crime saga set in London, don't miss 50 Cent's 'Fightland', premiering July 31.
A Faithful Adaptation That Stands Alone
What makes Bodies special is how it honors its source material while creating something fresh. Si Spencer's graphic novel gets a faithful yet inventive adaptation, with each episode deepening the mystery and the characters. The series doesn't rely on star power; instead, it lets the story and performances shine. It's a testament to how comic book adaptations can transcend genre clichés when done with care.
In a streaming landscape crowded with reboots and franchises, Bodies is a refreshing original—a smart, addictive thriller that respects your intelligence and rewards your attention. Whether you're a sci-fi fan or a mystery lover, this is one corpse you'll want to investigate.
