'Passenger' Review: Don’t Miss The Mystery from BritBox

Passenger is tapping into a rich tradition of eerie small-town narratives while adding a fresh British twist. The combination of dark comedy and mystery is always a winning formula, especially with a talented cast like Wunmi Mosaku leading the charge.

Chadder Vale seems like the perfect backdrop for unraveling secrets—there's something inherently unsettling about seemingly mundane places that hide deeper, often sinister truths. The blend of crime drama with the quirky, dry humor of Northern England should make for a compelling watch. Plus, the nods to shows like Happy Valley and Black Mirror suggest a layered narrative that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The series excels in various aspects simultaneously. It skillfully juggles multiple storylines, engaging viewers with its characters' lives while sparking curiosity about the mysterious events in Chadder Vale. The ensemble cast includes familiar faces like Debbie Rush from "Coronation Street," Jo Hartley from "This is England," David Threlfall from "Shameless," Sean Gilder, and more. Young talents like Rowan Robinson, Ella Bruccoleri, and Arian Nik shine as the emerging Northern stars.

Mosaku delivers a strong performance as Riya, reminiscent of Sarah Lancashire's character in "Happy Valley," right down to wearing her scarf. Riya is a tough, witty, and slightly cynical character whom you wouldn't want to cross but would definitely enjoy having on a night out singing karaoke. She is a compelling TV character that is easy to connect with.

"Passenger" is a show well-versed in television, making references to "Twin Peaks," "Doc Martin," Scandi crime dramas, and even "Broadchurch," where creator Andrew Buchan had a memorable role. The series pays homage to its predecessors in the genre through self-aware humor while maintaining the suspense surrounding its central mystery.

The central mystery revolves around issues at the local bread factory, a missing shipment, a dead stag on the forest road, and a series of missing girls, with Chief Constable Linda (played delightfully by Jo Hartley) reluctant to acknowledge the growing concerns. Riya's intuition hints at a deeper complexity in Chadder Vale.

A unique conspiracy unfolds amidst solid dramatic storytelling, skillfully directed by Lee Haven Jones from "Doctor Who" and Nicole Charles from "Pack of Lies." Rowan Robinson shines as Katie Wells, a young woman yearning for more than her small, limited hometown can offer. The show subtly touches on social commentary about the limited opportunities in small Northern towns and how communities react under pressure.

While the ongoing mystery is intriguing, the likable cast, Mosaku's performance, and the show's witty dialogues are the true highlights. Despite being a small town, Chadder Vale boasts a vibrant personality. Binge-watch, recommend, and anticipate more from this captivating series.

Check out the trailer below and let us know your thoughts in the comments!