Fresh off his critically acclaimed performance in Netflix's Adolescence, Stephen Graham is diving into darker territory. The actor, known for his intense and nuanced portrayals, now takes on the role of a serial killer in Apple TV's new thriller Nocturne. The ten-episode series premieres today, October 29, with a two-episode debut, and a new behind-the-scenes featurette gives fans a glimpse of Graham's unsettling transformation.
In Nocturne, Graham plays Jurek Walter, a convicted murderer whose capture left more questions than answers. The story follows Jonah Lynn (Liev Schreiber), a former cop still haunted by the death of his wife and son, who is pulled back into the case when one of Walter's presumed victims—a brother who was never found—turns up alive. Lynn teams up with his former protégé, FBI agent Saga Bauer (Zazie Beetz), to unravel the mystery. Was Walter working with an accomplice, or is something even more sinister at play?
The exclusive featurette, shared by Collider, showcases Graham's approach to the role. His usual British accent is replaced with an eerily calm drawl, and he discusses Walter's manipulative nature. The killer doesn't hide what he is, which makes him all the more dangerous. Graham admits he's "completely comfortable with my darkness," a statement that suggests he's fully embraced the monstrous side of his character.
Joining Graham, Schreiber, and Beetz is a stellar cast including Bill Camp (Presumed Innocent), Rory Culkin (Under the Banner of Heaven), Chrissy Metz (This Is Us), Gary Carr (The Deuce), and Poorna Jagannathan (Lanterns). The series is adapted from the Swedish novels Lazarus and The Sandman by the husband-and-wife writing duo Lars Kepler, and it's been crafted for television by Rowan Joffé and John Hlavin.
Tim Van Patten, a veteran of The Sopranos, The Wire, and Game of Thrones, directs the first two episodes, ensuring a pedigree of quality. The show promises to be a gripping psychological thriller, exploring the minds of both the hunter and the hunted. For fans of the genre, this is a must-watch, especially if you're looking for thrillers that hook you instantly.
Graham's transformation is a far cry from his recent role as a grieving father, and it's a testament to his range. He's no stranger to playing complex characters, but Nocturne seems to push him into new, darker territory. The featurette hints at a performance that will linger with viewers long after the credits roll.
With its premiere today, Nocturne is set to become a binge-worthy addition to Apple TV's growing library of original series. New episodes will drop weekly, so there's plenty of time to get hooked. If you're a fan of crime dramas that delve into the psychology of evil, this one's for you.
For those who can't get enough of Graham's work, his recent projects have been a masterclass in acting. And if you're in the mood for more crime thrillers, check out why Guy Ritchie's Snatch remains a genre classic. But for now, all eyes are on Nocturne and the monster Stephen Graham has brought to life.
