Marcella

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Marcella Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 17+

British detective show is violent, complex.

Netflix Drama 2016
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Parents say

age 17+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Marcella is a mature British detective series about a woman who returns to the force as she reinvestigates a string of unsolved murders. It contains strong violent content (including disturbing murder scenes), simulated sex acts and partial nudity (breasts, bottoms), and drug use. Corruption, divorce, and mental illness are also central themes.

Community Reviews

Jagar
Jagar Adult
June 24, 2022
age 15+

Consistently Bad Plotting Undermines a Potentially Interesting Show

This show is a time-killer. Violence and narrative twists sustain interest. But the plotting is so careless that it eventually becomes irritating. For example, a murderer the viewer never suspects because there’s no indication, until the last episode of the season, that this person has any conceivable connection with the crimes. All of the other potential suspects just drop out of view, plot devices that are no longer necessary. Also, though this may not bother others, but Marcella is a truly unpleasant person. The same can be said of virtually every other character introduced during three seasons.
Aeolus
Aeolus Adult
February 3, 2021
age 18+

Series 2, absolutely dreadful direction

A reasonable story line well acted, where direction allows. The skipping timelines are distracting in the extreme and why do we need to wait for episode six, or thereabouts to see the link to seriesone? I know this is fashionable but the viewer has now been forgotten and it seems to me this is ^art for art's sake ^. I thought I would look up the director and found there are at least seven spread across episodes, not even one for a complete series; explains a lot.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

MARCELLA is a British crime detective series starring Anna Friel as Marcella Backland, a gifted detective who finds herself reinvestigating a string of unsolved murders while trying to cope with her unraveling personal life. After taking time off to raise her family, Marcella rejoins the murder investigation squad when she is approached by DI Rav Sangha (Ray Panthaki) for details about some previous murder cases that may relate to a new string of killings. As she thoroughly reviews the details and pursues leads, often without the consent of Sangha or his boss, DCI Laura Porter (Nina Sosanya), she struggles with her anger about her impending divorce from estranged husband Jason (Nicholas Pinnock). Things get more complicated as the murder inquiries reveal new information, including a twist or two that involves Sylvie Gibson (Sinéad Cusack), the wealthy owner of the property development company Jason works for. As time goes on, Marcella's professional and personal worlds begin to collide, making her feel she may be losing control.

Is It Any Good?

Dark and knotty, this film noir-type series intertwines thickly detailed narratives that require a viewer's full attention to navigate them. Marcella, who has no problem breaking the rules to investigate a case, is a complicated -- but sympathetic -- heroine. But the constant introduction of new plot lines and suspicious characters happens almost too frequently, and Marcella's inability to control her divorce-fueled rage sometimes makes you wonder why any police force would trust her.

Nonetheless, the show still manages to tell an overall tale that is both compelling and intelligent. Those who are interested in complex detective stories will appreciate the painstaking efforts to coherently piece together the often-overlapping details of each case. Not every question they raise will be answered as you watch, but this, in part, is what makes it an addictive viewing experience.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes a good detective story. Is it the characters? The crimes involved? Do you think violent scenes are always necessary?

TV Details

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