Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall Lead New Sky Original Crime Drama Under Salt Marsh

Sky has released the first official look at Under Salt Marsh, a haunting new six-part crime drama starring Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall. Set against the rugged backdrop of a fictional Welsh coastal town, the series promises to blend atmospheric mystery with deeply personal drama — a combination that already has fans buzzing.

A Return to the Small Screen

Kelly Reilly, best known internationally for her role as Beth Dutton in Yellowstone and for acclaimed performances in Pride & Prejudice and Flight, takes on the lead role of Jackie Ellis. Jackie is a former detective who walked away from the force under painful circumstances. Now working as a teacher in the town of Morfa Halen, she is pulled back into the world she tried to escape after a shocking discovery forces her to confront a past she has fought to bury.

Joining her is Rafe Spall, star of Apple TV+’s Trying and known for films such as Life of Pi and Hot Fuzz. He plays Detective Eric Bull, a man whose own motivations and loyalties will come under scrutiny as the story unfolds.

Together, the two leads are set to deliver a layered portrayal of crime, trust, and the long shadow of secrets.

A Story Born From Storms

Under Salt Marsh opens with a once-in-a-generation storm rolling in from the sea, battering the already fragile town of Morfa Halen. Amid the chaos, Jackie Ellis makes a discovery that shakes her to her core. What she uncovers reopens the wounds of a three-year-old cold case — a case that not only ended her career as a detective but also fractured her family’s trust.

While Sky is keeping the exact nature of Jackie’s discovery under wraps, insiders describe it as “an unmissable catalyst” that drags every character into a web of suspicion, betrayal, and lingering trauma.

Claire Oakley’s Vision

The series is created, written, and directed by Claire Oakley, whose 2019 debut film Make Up was praised for its psychological depth and eerie atmosphere. Oakley is known for crafting stories that explore identity, fear, and the complexities of human relationships.

In Under Salt Marsh, she weaves together the external violence of a natural disaster with the internal storms of grief, guilt, and the desperate need for redemption.

“Claire Oakley brings a unique voice to the crime genre,” a Sky spokesperson said. “Under Salt Marsh is not just about a case, but about the lives broken by it and the haunting sense of what remains unsolved in all of us.”

A Welsh Setting with Global Appeal

Although Morfa Halen is fictional, the production makes striking use of the Welsh coastline. The salt marshes, tidal flats, and looming skies serve as more than just scenery — they reflect the characters’ inner turmoil. The bleak yet beautiful landscapes give the series a visual identity that sets it apart from typical urban-set crime dramas.

“This isn’t a story that could happen in London or New York,” one producer explained. “It belongs to the coast — a place where isolation and community, beauty and danger exist side by side.”

Themes of Family, Trust, and Survival

At its core, Under Salt Marsh is as much about personal survival as it is about solving a mystery. Jackie’s journey is not simply the reopening of a case — it’s a reckoning with how her past choices shattered her family’s trust.

“Kelly Reilly is the perfect actor to play Jackie,” Oakley said. “She brings both toughness and vulnerability, making you believe in a character who is constantly pulled between the duty of her past and the life she’s trying to build.”

With Rafe Spall’s Detective Bull in the mix, the series promises a tense exploration of who can be trusted when the past refuses to stay buried.

Sky’s Growing Crime Slate

Under Salt Marsh joins Sky’s expanding roster of original crime dramas, which in recent years have included Save Me, Temple, and The Rising. By blending traditional procedural elements with character-driven storytelling, Sky aims to compete with the prestige crime series dominating streaming platforms.

Industry analysts note that Kelly Reilly’s global recognition from Yellowstone is a major draw. “Casting Reilly is a statement,” one critic observed. “She brings with her a ready-made audience, but also a reputation for powerful, uncompromising performances.”

Audience Anticipation

The release of the first-look images has already ignited speculation online. Fans of Reilly in particular have expressed excitement at seeing her tackle a darker, more introspective role far removed from Beth Dutton’s firebrand persona.

Early reactions suggest Under Salt Marsh may appeal to audiences who loved Broadchurch, Top of the Lake, and Mare of Easttown — shows that combined small-town mystery with emotional storytelling.

A Drama to Watch

With its storm-lashed setting, complex characters, and the promise of a shocking central mystery, Under Salt Marsh looks set to be one of the most talked-about dramas in Sky’s 2025 lineup. For Kelly Reilly, it marks another bold step in an already impressive career. For audiences, it may be the next must-watch crime series that lingers long after the credits roll.