If you're craving a smart, suspenseful mystery that you can devour in one weekend, Hulu's A Murder at the End of the World is exactly what you need. This 7-part psychological thriller, which debuted in November 2023, stars Emma Corrin as Darby Hart, a true crime writer and amateur sleuth who finds herself trapped in a deadly game at a secluded Icelandic hotel. Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij (the minds behind The OA), the series is a modern, intimate take on the classic whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end.
What Is 'A Murder at the End of the World' About?
Darby Hart is invited to a private retreat hosted by tech billionaire Andy Ronson (Clive Owen), a charismatic figure who blends the ambition of Steve Jobs with the eccentricity of Elon Musk. The guest list includes a diverse group of celebrities, artists, activists, and inventors—like city architect Lu Mei (Joan Chen), doctor Sian Cruz (Alice Braga), and filmmaker Martin Mitchell (Jermaine Fowler). Ronson's goal is to bring these original thinkers together to solve the climate crisis. Also present are Ronson's wife, the legendary hacker Lee Andersen (Marling), and their young son Zoomer (Kellan Tetlow). Darby's ex-boyfriend Bill Farrah (Harris Dickinson) shows up later for reasons that remain mysterious. But the luxurious getaway turns into a nightmare when a murder occurs, and Darby must uncover the killer before they strike again.
The cast is fantastic, with Corrin bringing a punk-rock energy and relatability that updates the classic detective archetype for Gen Z. Owen's Ronson is both charming and aloof, keeping you guessing about his true motives.
A Chilling Setting That Steals the Show
The remote Icelandic hotel is more than just a backdrop—it's a character in itself. The title refers to this isolated fortress, which is also home to Ronson's AI assistant, Ray (voiced by Edoardo Ballerini). The high-tech environment highlights how humanity gets lost amid digital comforts. Ronson's goal of solving the climate crisis by 2050 gives the title a dual meaning, as the hotel becomes a sanctuary that hides dark secrets. It's the perfect setting for a mystery, blending awe-inspiring luxury with an eerie sense of isolation.
A Dual Narrative That Keeps You Hooked
Marling and Batmanglij use a clever dual timeline structure. The present-day mystery unfolds at the hotel, while flashbacks reveal Darby and Bill's previous case, which she wrote about in her book The Silver Doe. These flashbacks provide context for their relationship and often mirror the present-day events. Both storylines are equally gripping, and the tension escalates with each episode, leading to a shocking finale.
Because it's a 7-part series, the characters and subplots have room to breathe, making it feel more like a complex novel than a typical mystery movie. If you're a fan of other binge-worthy thrillers like Apple TV's 'Shining Girls', you'll love this one. It's the perfect weekend binge for anyone who loves a smart, character-driven mystery.
