Netflix’s new crime thriller Dept Q plunges viewers into the shadowy corners of human psyche and unresolved mysteries, bringing to life the complex world of Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck. Based on Jussi Adler-Olsen’s acclaimed book series and adapted for television by The Queen’s Gambit creator Scott Frank, this movie offers an intense journey through a chilling cold case and the fragile mind of a flawed but brilliant detective.
Set against the bleak backdrop of Edinburgh, Scotland, Dept Q begins with a routine wellness check that quickly spirals into violence and tragedy. Detective Carl Morck (portrayed with steely precision by Matthew Goode) is thrust into the aftermath of a shooting that leaves a young officer dead and his partner paralyzed. Emotionally shattered and professionally isolated, Carl is relegated to the basement office of the newly formed Department Q, a government task force designed to reopen cold cases and improve a failing clearance rate.
The narrative skillfully weaves together Carl’s relentless investigation into the disappearance of a high-profile public servant and the parallel story of Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie), a determined prosecutor battling not only a high-stakes murder trial but also escalating threats against her life. Merritt’s personal struggles, including caring for her mentally disabled brother, add a poignant layer of vulnerability to the crime thriller, revealing the emotional toll that justice-seeking can exact.
The series gains momentum through Carl’s unlikely alliance with Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov), a Syrian immigrant with a mysterious past, and Detective Constable Rose Dickson (Leah Byrne), a sidelined cadet eager to prove her worth. Together, this unconventional team meticulously reexamines clues overlooked in the initial investigation, embodying the patience and detail-oriented work intrinsic to the film industry’s finest crime dramas.
Dept Q excels in portraying not only the procedural elements of the investigation but also the psychological scars borne by those who chase the truth. Carl’s abrasive demeanor masks a deep emotional turmoil, while Merritt’s increasing paranoia highlights the isolating nature of her role. The show’s neo-noir tone complements its layered storytelling, delivering suspenseful twists while probing the characters’ inner conflicts.
Though occasionally sprawling over its nine episodes, the series remains a riveting watch, thanks to its richly drawn characters and immersive plot. As Carl’s team inches closer to uncovering the truth, Dept Q poses hard questions about the personal cost of justice and the haunting persistence of unresolved pain.
Dept Q is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
