BBC’s ‘Wolf’: A Genre-Defying Thriller Blending Crime, Horror, and Dark Humour Set to Grip Viewers
If you’re craving a binge-worthy crime thriller that refuses to play by the rules, the BBC’s upcoming six-part adaptation Wolf promises to deliver exactly that – and much more. Based on the late Mo Hayder’s acclaimed Jack Caffery novels (specifically drawing heavily from the final book in the series), this twisted tale arrives with a warning: it’s not your standard police procedural.
As star Sacha Dhawan – best known for his chilling portrayal of the Master in Doctor Who – told GamesRadar+ in a recent interview: “I’ve not really seen anything like this on British TV before, this perfect mix of genre. It’s not even a crime thriller! Yes, it starts off as that but then it enters this heightened world of horror and sickly humour. That creates a unique blend which is why I can’t define it – it’s really unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
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Wolf releases trailer starring Doctor Who and Game of Thrones …
Ukweli Roach stars as the haunted DI Jack Caffery in his first lead television role. (BBC/Hartswood Films)
At the heart of Wolf is young Detective Inspector Jack Caffery, played by Ukweli Roach (Blindspot, The Midwich Cuckoos, Annika) in his first major lead role. Caffery is a man driven by unresolved childhood trauma: the disappearance of his 10-year-old brother in the 1990s, a case he believes was mishandled when the wrong person was convicted for a related grisly murder years later. Convinced his former neighbour is the true culprit, Caffery’s obsession consumes him, shaping every aspect of his life and career.
Roach, speaking about the emotional depth required for the role, explained: “So much has stemmed from this – his saviour complex and grudge against bullies who intimidate the innocent. It all fuels his resentment and his choice to become a police officer – it shaped the whole direction of his life and without that, he wouldn’t be who he is. But it has stunted his emotional growth… There’s something that still remains a child in Jack, there’s a hurt little boy inside of him. That’s covered up with a lot of bravado and anger, but it’s there.”
This inner turmoil manifests in Caffery’s profound isolation. As Roach emphasises, his character forms no genuine human connections throughout the series – not one. “His family was torn apart and since then he’s had to defend himself – there’s been a hardening, he’s now completely self-reliant… Being alone isn’t a choice he makes though – he’s damaged and struggles to let anyone get close.”
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Wolf finale includes hilarious Sacha Dhawan Doctor Who reference …
Sacha Dhawan as the enigmatic Honey, a role unlike anything the actor has tackled before. (BBC/Hartswood Films)
Parallel to Caffery’s personal quest runs a separate, equally disturbing storyline in rural Monmouthshire, where a wealthy isolated family – played by Juliet Stevenson (Bend It Like Beckham), Owen Teale (Game of Thrones), and Annes Elwy – find themselves terrorised in their own home by cruel and sadistic games orchestrated by an unknown assailant. Enter mismatched “professionals” Honey (Dhawan) and Molina (Iwan Rheon, Game of Thrones), whose arrival only escalates the nightmare.
The two threads inevitably collide in shocking ways, weaving in references to the infamous “Donkey Pitch Murders” and delivering twists that veer into outright horror territory – all laced with darkly comic moments that Dhawan describes as “sickly humour.”
Produced by Hartswood Films (the team behind Sherlock and Dracula) and APC Studios, in association with Creative Wales, Wolf was filmed across stunning yet eerie Welsh locations, adding to its atmospheric dread. Adapted by Megan Gallagher (Suspicion, Borderliner), the series boasts a powerhouse ensemble including Sian Reese-Williams (Hidden) as DI Maia Lincoln.
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Wolf pack | Drama Quarterly
Iwan Rheon and Sacha Dhawan as the volatile duo Molina and Honey. (BBC/Hartswood Films)
Early buzz suggests Wolf is divisive – some viewers may find its bold genre shifts and unflinching brutality too much, while others will revel in its unhinged energy. But with a cast this strong delving into such psychologically raw material, it’s poised to be one of the most talked-about dramas of the new year.
Roach sums up the appeal perfectly: “To get the answers that he wants, he needs to solve this thing.” For audiences, solving the puzzle of Wolf alongside Caffery promises to be an addictive, unforgettable ride.
Wolf premieres next week on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. All six episodes will be available to binge.