The Beast Must Die (pic Gareth Gatrell | Isle of Wight County Press) has finished filming after four months on the Isle of Wight (see story in the Isle of Wight County Press).

The Beast Must Die is an adaption of the 1938 Nicholas Blake novel and follows a grieving mother who infiltrates the life of the man she believes killed her son. It was adapted by Gaby Chiappe. The novel tells how crime writer Frank Cairns has to work with private detective Nigel Strangeways after he is suspected of murder.

The series stars Jared Harris (Chernobyl, The Crown, Mad Men) and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife). It also features Billy Howle (MotherFatherSon, On Chesil Beach), Gerealdine James (Utopia) and Nathaniel Parker (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Vanity Fair). According to the County Press article, over four months of filming, more than 60 locations were used as well as numerous locals as extras. The production should be praised for it’s Covid-19 protocols as there were no related delays during filming.

The Beast Must Die is expected to air in 2021 in five parts, and even if the Isle of Wight isn’t a reason to be interested, would be viewers should also note this is the first original drama for BritBox, and part of their long-term plan for growth.