Marchlands

ITV’s Marchlands from 2011 crafts a unique narrative that expertly intertwines various strands of chilling mystery, riveting drama, and elements of supernatural suspense. This five-part series is successful in pushing the formal boundaries of conventional television – offering an engrossing, complex story that spans half a century, revolving around the captivating history of a house and its various residents. Set in three distinct time lines - 1968, 1987 and 2010, Marchlands threads together the stories of three families, living in different eras, who make the titular house their home across these periods.

Central to the narrative of Marchlands is the tragic and unexplained death of a young girl named Alice, whose profound presence in the story, despite her physical absence, forms the spine of the narrative. Throughout the series, suspense builds as each family experiences the echoes left by her. As the plot unfolds, it simultaneously probes deeper into the circumstances surrounding Alice’s death, and how she has continued to affect the lives of those who have settled into the characterful house in her wake.

The 1968 timeline follows Alice’s grieving parents, Ruth and Paul, played with finesse by Jodie Whittaker and Dean Andrews. Their lives are in devastation following the loss of their daughter, and the story grapples with their struggle to cope – Ruth, in particular, finds herself trapped in her sorrow, convinced Alice is still present in some form within the house itself. Her increasing obsession with deciphering the mysteries surrounding her daughter’s death drives a rift between herself and her husband, who yearns for closure and the opportunity to move on.

In 1987, the house is occupied by the Maynard family. Here, we get to see Alex Kingston portray Helen Maynard, a strong-willed, no-nonsense mother, who along with her newly-appointed husband Eddie, delightfully brought to life by Denis Lawson, and two daughters, moves into Marchlands. They aim to start a fresh chapter of their lives but are unaware of the house’s troubled past. Helen's daughter, Amy, possesses an uncanny connection with Alice, and this unsettling familiarity gradually takes a toll on the entire family.

Fast-forwarding to 2010, the house is now home to the Bowen family who is, once again, oblivious of Marchlands’ haunted history initially. Nisha, played by Shelley Conn, and her husband Mark, brought to life by Elliot Cowan, are expecting their first child. As they renovate the house, unsettling echoes from the past start to materialize – stirring up unease, fear, and dread about what may be lurking in the shadows.

The interwoven narratives of Marchlands are smartly and subtly connected – with each timeline making curious contact with the others while retaining distinctive timelines. Specifically, the manner in which the series handles the theme of history’s residual impact is fascinating. It adroitly illustrates how past events can cast substantial ripples through time, thus disturbing the lives of people who weren't even present when these events occurred.

Marchlands uses supernaturally-tinged elements set amidst the dynamics of family drama, and a veil of mystery that prompts viewers to constantly engage with the story. Despite its unorthodox layered structure, the storytelling throughout the series is remarkably controlled, sharply mapping out multiple timelines whilst meticulously threading their adjoining narratives.

It is also worth mentioning that alongside its intriguing plot, Marchlands boasts of exceptional performances from its cast. Notably, Jodie Whittaker’s depiction of Ruth’s heart-wrenching struggle with grief and Alex Kingston’s portrayal of a firm yet vulnerable Helen. The stellar performances act as the emotional anchor guiding the audience through the show’s tri-branched narrative.

Whether you are a fan of supernatural thrillers, family dramas or mystery shows, Marchlands has a little something for everyone. With its engaging narrative structure, impressive performances and compelling plot, it is a show that lingers with the audiences long after the credits roll. ITV’s 2011 series Marchlands, skilfully navigates multiple storylines across different timelines, enthralling the audiences and drawing them into its world of mystery and intrigue.