On Monday, August 25, 2025, at 12:51 AM +07, Netflix has unleashed a groundbreaking British noir thriller, Ashes in the Fog, marking the unprecedented first collaboration between Nicola Walker and Cillian Murphy. Premiering on August 24, this 8-part series has exploded onto the streaming scene, promising to haunt viewers long after the credits roll. DCI Rowan Ellis, played by Walker, hunts a string of eerie disappearances in a fog-drenched coastal town, only to be drawn into a deadly, mind-bending game with crime novelist Eamon Doyle, portrayed by Murphy. With every shadow hiding a secret and every twist blurring the line between fiction and murder, fans are hailing it “unmissable,” its relentless suspense and psychological intrigue outshining even Department Q.
Set against misty harbor streets and a lonely, creaking lighthouse, Ashes in the Fog begins with Walker’s cool, rational Rowan investigating vanishings with no trace, inspired by real unsolved cases. Murphy’s Doyle, a novelist whose manuscripts eerily predict real deaths, brings an enigmatic danger that clashes explosively with Rowan, creating an irresistible dynamic. The series, penned by Jack Thorne, unfolds over eight episodes, each packed with revelations that cut deeper, from Doyle’s past secrets to a conspiracy tying the town’s elite to the crimes. Early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes give it an 89% score, with The Guardian calling it “a masterclass in tension.”
Fans on X are losing it, with @NoirFanatic posting, “Walker and Murphy are electric—darker than anything!” The premiere’s 7.2 million views in 24 hours, per Netflix data, reflect its impact, outpacing The Fall of the House of Usher’s debut. The plot’s psychological depth—Doyle’s manuscripts possibly scripting reality—draws from true crime lore, with the lighthouse setting evoking The Lighthouse’s eerie vibe. Walker, fresh from Annika, and Murphy, post-Oppenheimer, deliver powerhouse performances, their chemistry fueling debates on X about a potential romance or rivalry.
The series’ darkness surpasses Downton Abbey’s elegance, blending dark humor—like Rowan’s dry quips—with heartbreaking tragedy, such as a child’s disappearance revealed in Episode 3. Director Kate Herron (Loki) amplifies the noir aesthetic with amber-lit docks and creaking soundscapes, making every frame a suspenseful tableau. Fans compare it to Department Q’s intensity but note its psychological edge, with @ThrillerAddict tweeting, “This makes Department Q look tame—brilliant!”
As of today, August 25, 2025, at 12:51 AM +07, Ashes in the Fog tops Netflix charts, its 8-episode run set to conclude on September 14. Will Rowan unravel Doyle’s game, or will the truth consume them? This gripping thriller, with its electric tension and haunting twists, is poised to redefine British drama, leaving viewers breathless for what’s next.
