The Loch (2017) User Reviews (68)

Rather cliché drama but it passes the time nicely and the scenery is great

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 16 July 2017]

This six part ITV crime drama takes place in a town on the shores of Loch Ness and the surrounding countryside. When the local piano teacher's body is found at the bottom of a cliff policewoman DS Annie Redford starts investigating; it soon becomes clear that it was no accident… the man's brain has been removed. Soon afterwards a human heart is discovered amongst animal remains that a group of school children had used as part of a Loch Ness Monster hoax. The heart doesn't belong to the piano teacher so it would appear that there might be a serial killer in the area. At this point DCI Lauren Quigley is brought in to take over the inquiry. Psychological profiler Blake Albrighton also turns up offering his services; some think he is just after material for his next book.

As the series progresses plenty of suspects emerge; most notably a teacher, the doctor and a man who committed a double murder as a teenager twenty years previously, something the locals didn't know about. Each of these has secrets and it is far from obvious which, if any of them is the killer. If that weren't enough we get a mass shooting during a school trip that is unrelated to the previous murders.

This is a decent enough murder mystery although after series like 'Broadchurch', 'The Fall' and the whole Scandi-noir invasion it does feel a little old fashioned. There are lots of clichés, some acceptable some mildly irritating. The main problem is that many of the characters are more TV standards rather than a real community. There are also some very unlikely moments notably when, during a school trip to hydroelectric dam it appears that there are no workers and people can go where they please! On the plus side the scenery is great and the cast do a solid enough job; most notably Laura Fraser as DS Redford. When the killer is finally revealed things get even more far-fetched. The ending does leave things open for a second series but to be honest I wouldn't really expect one. Overall I was a little disappointed but it was a pleasant enough way to pass an hour on a Sunday night.

Beautiful scenery, stupid people

[revchristodd · 6/10 · 5 October 2020]

I fell in love with the incredible landscapes and the intriguing mystery in the first episode. I thought this was another "Broadchurch." But by the second episode I was suspecting, and by episode 3 it was confirmed that this show has what Roger Ebert called an "idiot plot," one that could be resolved faster if people bothered to communicate vital information to one another and used common sense. People consider their secrets more important than helping the police catch a serial killer hunting in a very tiny village, or at least clearing their own name. It doesn't help that the most egregious offender in this regard is the teenage daughter of the protagonist, one of the cops. Most of episode 4 is filler, focusing on a character who comes out nowhere, has no arc and is irrelevant to the main story. On the positive side, the solution has to win some kind of prize for least likely suspect.

Faltered since the opening episode.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 6/10 · 26 June 2017]

I will disagree with some of the other reviews on here, and say I quite enjoyed the first part, which had set a tone for a Scottish Broadchurch, sadly the episodes that have followed have felt a little hollow.

The positives, the location, camera work and atmosphere are totally on point, it's a very attractive show, looks wonderfully vibrant, you will marvel at the scenery, they couldn't fail with that location. The lead, Siobhan Finneran is great, a strong actress with charisma and presence.

On the downside, I find Finneran so good, that she's making some of the rest feel like non entities, some of the characters are so forgettable, they're not making enough impression. Hopefully that will change, Alastair Mackenzie is a fine actor, he's just been underused so far. At times I find it a bit slow, tedious almost, they could have condensed it down to four parts, and removed some of the padding. It doesn't have the hook to retain your interest that Broadchurch managed to gain.

Overall it's watchable enough, and has some tense moments, it just feels like a bit of a wasted opportunity. 6/10

No, it's not trying to be Broadchurch

[dmartin1910 · 7/10 · 2 July 2017]

If I could, I would give it a 7.5, just not quite an 8. I only felt compelled to give a review because I saw negative reviews by a lot of stuffed shirts. I think it has a compelling way of telling the story from the female cop's perspective. Does that make it "feminist" or "politically correct"? Of course not. Get over yourself, whoever said that! Just another misogynist pig trying to shuck it off as politically correct.

The way it ties in the different murders is as realistic as many American cop shows I've seen. I like how there is some irreverent humor from the younger characters.

I'm not the typical reviewer but felt I needed to add some of these other reviewers are stuffed shirts.

Well worth watching

[Vindelander · 7/10 · 20 August 2021]

Pretty good overall with a decent plot and twist in the tail. Solid cast and location filming is very good. The last series the wonderful John Sessions ever appeared in.

How many boxes did they tick covering every stereotype possible?

[zekeblack · 2 July 2017]

C'mon! How many boxes did they tick covering every stereotype possible.

Taking care not to add spoilers: Out of town cops v in-town cops= friction. Kids that don't obey, and lie.

Requisite minorities included, bad guy shrinks. Husband feeling neglected because wife has a life- (but isn't particularly honorable to her) Stopping here, before spoilers, I just wanted to say that the "Paint-by-numbers" plots these shows have are getting awfully tedious. Four episodes in, and if I spend a minute, I bet I can solve this by figuring out what box isn't yet ticked off! Aren't there any original writers out there? With new ideas? GREAT SCENERY!!!

' struggled to give this seven stars

[jmccrmck-65172 · 7/10 · 6 June 2020]

The story starts out great but by the end becomes not only far fetched but even disjointed BUT Laura Fraser as Annie Redford and Siobhan Finneran as DCI Lauren Quigley deliver acting as good as any you will ever see and a good bit of the dialogue is well written and funny. If I were to rate this on the story alone it would not be very high but there are so many aspects of this series, acting, dialogue , production values and location that are quite good that #1 I recommend it and #2 and was always keen to watch the next episode. Give it a whirl.

Compelling & Intriguing

[robinjeley · 9/10 · 26 June 2017]

I use IMDb to give me a steer on whats hot and whats not. Having read a poor review on The Loch, I felt compelled to level the field.

I'm a big fan of Broadchurch and similar crime dramas. This one is no pup. Its developing characters and a complex story-line to compete with the best.

All of the characters are interesting and there are many plot lines and angles on this web of a story.

My only complaint is that its a series and I have to wait a week for the next episode.

It's not what you think.

[crinolynne · 7/10 · 27 June 2017]

The Loch is NOT Broadchurch, which I found to be pompous, self important and melodramatic. The Loch is a quietly humorous parody of the genre, Scottish drama and mythology with a nod to contemporary PC casting. If that's not your favourite dram, slip your DVD of the Wickerman on.

The Loch Review

[amwilson-50395 · 9/10 · 2 July 2017]

Compelled to write a review to the enjoyable crime drama set near Inverness. Despite similarities to Shetland and Broadchurch, this drama feels fresh. It reminds us of the differences between rural communities and the effect a crime can have on such a small community compared to a city.

The plot has you second guessing at every clue uncovered and the desire to uncover the truth is overwhelming. Suspenseful moments intertwined in a mix of both fast and slow moving plot points, if you are into British crime dramas, this needs to be added to your must watch list.

The plot hole I noticed

[anasazi-145-682127 · 6/10 · 12 January 2019]

Others have explored the unusually large number of plot holes, but here is mine. Since we discover that Kieran is actually Jordan and is actually the killer, is there any explanation for the large vehicle that runs Evie and Kieran off the road? This is just one of the many dangling plot points of this entertaining but frustratingly sloppy 6 part series.

Well crafted crime thriller

[robertemerald · 9/10 · 30 June 2018]

My dvd of this series has Loch Ness as title on the cover, though the film itself introduces itself as The Loch. I guess that's the safety valve for the producers. Something called Loch Ness comes with baggage and huge expectation. This is a brave show therefore as people will naturally remember the experience far more critically than they would otherwise.

Thankfully, the producers managed to create something highly proficient, just shy of perfect. The narrative is carried beautifully by the performance of the lead and her daughter, as well as the down-to-earth script. The plot is sound and well-paced but for those familiar with the genre, not groundbreaking. This is overcome by the cinematography, a key issue, which is superb and in my humble opinion is done better than similar nordic dramas in more spectacular surrounds. It helps the drama roll along without ever becoming boring. Whilst the plot isn't brilliant, the ultimate solution is very clever, the clues being very skilfully hidden, and not all that obvious later when all is revealed, much like an Agatha Christie novel.

I also thought the soundscape to be very skilful. I've only docked it a point because I felt it needed a tad more of a fear factor. Well done ITV. Time well spent.

Started good and then disappointed

[marcssubs · 6/10 · 14 June 2020]

I really liked the first couple of episodes, but subsequent episodes were lacking. Quite a bit seemed contrived, and somewhat fantastic/unreal at the same time. The last 2-3 episodes I stayed in because I wanted to see how it ended, but it felt a waste of time overall.

Details, details, details

[zigmar-69414 · 3/10 · 20 July 2017]

Somewhat formulaic, but my major complaint is that it makes Scottish law enforcement look like Keystone Cops. I know that is not the case. If I'm to suspend disbelief there has to be a limit to the ridiculous behavior of "law enforcement" in a series. Letting a family member latch onto their dead son at a crime scene? Um, no. Not in any part of the world that has a clue about forensics..... A police force that doesn't seem to know it has a radio missing during a MAJOR investigation? Sorry. Not any that I know of would be that dumb. And another thing, are all parents in Scotland willing to let their child be an impediment to an investigation? I know the TV world is all hugs and understanding, but again, if I am to suspend disbelief then I need a bit of reality to creep into the story occasionally. I really wanted to like this series more than I do, because most of the junk put out is just that. Junk. Especially here in the good ol' U.S. of A. I just wish that writers and directors didn't assume that the entire audience has an IQ lower than their shoe size.

Interesting show, but...

[kfss264 · 6/10 · 10 June 2018]

I wanted to watch this show for a long time. Today I finally streamed it...

This series started off with a bang. I really liked the first few episodes, the story initially shaped up to be compelling. However, by the final episode the little side story lines proved to be a waste, and the main stories conclusion was only so-so. Even though the twist at the end of the main story line was a surprise, it was ehhhh... ultimately the overall story was moderately intriguing and compelling.

Ok but with plot holes

[gallagherkellie · 6/10 · 30 December 2022]

The scenery is the best part of this show! I love Scotland and Loch Ness is beautiful.

The acting is quite good, I can't really fault it from anyone.

Some of the characters are stupid and horrible though. I'm sorry but if that was my daughter I'd be furious and wouldn't let her get away with talking to me like that. What a brat.

Most of the characters had silly secrets that if they had told them from the beginning things would have been solved quicker.

We never got to see what ended up happening with the ex con, or the doctor who slept with a young patient and got her pregnant (why did the parents hide her pregnancy if she was of age? I guess due to being religious?).

And why would the mother keep drugging her one good son like that? Honestly ridiculous. The teacher was creepy and why did he have a locked room where he counselled a students in secret? Then nothing really came from it?

But look there were some twists, and it was entertaining and not horrible. I've just seen much better British crime shows.

A Heavily Mixed Bag

[AJ_Blanc · 6/10 · 28 February 2023]

The show known as Loch Ness on Acorn TV had all the elements for a great story... except for a few significant pieces. The cinematography is as good as Shetland or Vera and the caliber of actors is excellent. Having said that, it's good this show is only six episodes long because half the show is build up with the payoff falling apart shortly thereafter.

This series has all the serial killer clichés from the 90s and 00s, but they were haphazardly thrown together with a seemingly endless parade of red herrings, and moments where important information was purposefully withheld to drag out the plot. One particular cliché that is a pet peeve of mine is the inclusion of a forensic psychologist/profiler for the sole reason of adding one. While the actor was great, for some reason the character came on the scene after only one body is found. In fact, throughout the entirety of the series there was hardly enough information to even develop a proper profile, so why include him at all, especially since the deaths in this small town can't actually be classified as serial murder? Could've simply made him the town's psychiatrist or an overreaching member of the press and he would've been more believable IMHO.

Then there's the problem of the unclear motive and unexplainable actions from the killer. It made little sense, had no logical buildup, and was completely unsatisfying. Not only that, but after the big reveal and subsequent fight the show ends without a proper conclusion, via an eyerolling attempt to segue into a second season/series, which after six years probably isn't happening.

Overall, it's not a bad show to soak up a weekend stuck indoors due to inclement weather, but it's not a particularly smart series compared to so many others of the genre. Look elsewhere if you're not one who enjoys turn off your brain entertainment. Cheers.

Really loved it!

[holzifer · 8/10 · 10 November 2019]

I totally get some of the complaints about this being a bit far-fetched and cliched but having missioned the entire series in one day I absolutely loved it! Was completely gripping and every time we thought we'd figured it out something new happened and we were back to square one! Yes it's quite formulaic but the script is excellent, the acting is fab and the scenery is stunning. If you want an easy going edge-of-your-seat thriller box set give this a go!

I quite enjoyed this

[ekerr-11554 · 7/10 · 8 July 2023]

This show has such a good Scottish setting which is often under-utilised in entertainment.

The overall story has a few plot twists along the way, one of which I definitely didn't see coming. I think it excels in its Scottish characters and actors. The only character who seemed weak was the crime author who I can't understand how he remained on the case for so long, the fact he wasn't removed early on made the whole thing seem quite unbelievable.

There was also a random side quest relating to a characters past and a sinister individual returning to his life went ultimately went nowhere, a waste of an episode in fact.

Apart from that I really liked following the case and the eventual killer wasn't the person I predicted it was going to be.

Better than anticipated

[zephyrsnana · 9/10 · 24 October 2018]

Unexpected and well written. The actors chosen for the characters fit perfectly and do an excellent job.

Commendable, if a little clichéd, drama series.

[InnerWisdom1000 · 7/10 · 30 August 2023]

I enjoyed this serial-killer drama series. Like many reviewers here, I agree that the backdrop of Loch Ness and the spectacular Scottish Highlands added much intrigue and mystery to a decently written, if clichéd, crime drama series. The acting was reasonable but this too was clichéd in parts. The direction was perhaps trying to be too clever by highlighting so many potential suspects, but certainly the final episode was the standout and I am sure the killer was a surprise to many viewers.

That Jordan ( who pretended to be Kieran, by switching names with his brother ) turned out to be the killer, was certainly a surprise, but there were clues along the way, which many may have missed.

It also proves that serial killers are not born but made from extreme trauma that has to satisfy certain and very hidden genetic triggers that need to be amplified in very extreme circumstances. Hence, why thankfully they are so extremely rare.

However, very sadly, trauma is much more common than most are even aware of, and this manifests in a catalogue of mental and emotional disorders from anxiety and depression through various personality disorders to sociopathy, sadism, extreme egomania and narcissistic disorder ( which is on the increase. ).

This was an entertaining drama series, not without it's faults, but sometimes we can all be too critical for our own good.

Killer Stalks Legendary Area

[kirbylee70-599-526179 · 8/10 · 7 December 2017]

Do not walk into watching this series thinking that you'll be privy to some new information concerning the legendary Loch Ness monster we've all come to know. Instead the series uses the location to tell a tale of a serial killer on the loose and those trying to find him/her before he/she can kill again.

Local Detective Sergeant Annie Redford (Laura Fraser) is the first on scene to discover the body of Niall Swift, a music teacher who at first seems to be the victim of an accident. When it is realized that a part of his brain is missing and that he was murdered the case is passed up the chain to DCI Lauren Quigley (Siobhan Finneran) who arrives all straight laced and serious. She brings with her psychological profiler Blake Albrighton (Don Gilet) to assist on the case much to the consternation of the police chief DCI Frank Smilie (John Sessions).

The six part series moves along slowly but never gets boring. While watching it I kept thinking back to TWIN PEAKS where characters were introduced and as each episode moved forward they all seemed to have a motive for being involved in the death being investigated. And there is no short supply of suspects involved here.

The first and foremost is Dr. Simon Marr, a man we saw fire Swift early on in the first episode. Marr wasn't pleased with the pop music Swift had given to his daughter feeling it was full of filth. In response Swift made a comment to him about his actions involving another young local girl making it clear Marr was not the pillar of society he might pretend to be. Add to that the fact that it was Marr that discovered the body and his innocence is in question.

But then it could also have been Leighton Thomas, a local tourist operator who consistently tries to debunk the legend of Loch Ness. With a criminal past the police immediately place him at the top of their suspect list. More suspects round out the list including a local butcher and teens involved in a prank concerning the legendary monster which include Annie's daughter.

The thought that this was a single murder starts to change when another piece shows up, a heart. More victims appear. Suddenly the town is caught in the grip of fear knowing that a serial killer has taken up residence in their town. Or it could be that one of them is the serial killer they are seeking.

The series is an interesting one that places us in a location unfamiliar to most. This isn't the hustle and bustle of London but a quaint lakeside village instead, a town where occurrences like this are rare and not the norm. The fact that Annie is placed in her first investigation or a murder shows that. And it's not a simple murder but a particularly gruesome one at that.

Add to the mix the familial aspects of the story as well. Annie's husband Alan (Gary O'Brien) has an interest in the area as he is another tourist guide, one that supports the idea of the monster. His recent purchase might also lead to a clue that's missing. From the first episode on the viewer is provided a glimpse of a victim chained at the bottom of the lake and Alan's purchase of an underwater camera might yield an image that will help.

Annie's daughter is a handful as well. Independent and with a grudge against Marr she constantly inserts herself into predicaments that her mother must pull her from. The first of these results in Annie being removed from the case. It is only when her abilities are realized that she is brought back on.

As I said the show reminded me a lot of TWIN PEAKS but without the stranger of the characters around. The small town setting, the killer on the prowl and the family ties, both literally and figuratively, add to the makeup of the show. Just who the killer is will take some time to figure out and for many that won't be until the reveal. And that's what makes a solid mystery, a story that keeps you guessing, that provides plenty of suspects and clues and that holds your interest until the summation.

Will this lead to a second series? Possibly but doubtful which is sad. In looking into the series I read that it wasn't a huge hit. But then again never say never. Perhaps we will see these characters rise again to deal with yet another crime in the area. Now Loch Ness has more to be said for it than a legendary sea creature.

Great scenery, but...

[cimorellisteve · 7/10 · 27 February 2021]

This mini series is fine, it's a pretty typical murder mystery crime thriller. My major complaint are the kids in general. I'm at a point in all these types of shows where I'm rooting for them to all die. They never listen to any adult and they are beyond stupid. Whatever they are told NOT to do you know 100% that they will do the opposite

It's all over

[startingfromscratchlv · 3/10 · 13 July 2017]

What started as a show with some promise, despite some rather weird characters, has for me, with the latest episode (4) now gone into the realms of the totally ridiculous.

All of the various story lines that are cropping up, characters, that, if they acted in this manner in real life, would be in serious trouble and the {SPOILER} daughter of the police officer who is apparently completely unable to follow even the simplest of instructions....repeatedly.

For me, this was an episode too far, I'm calling it a day and finding something else to do. Started well, had promise then completely lost the plot.

Some good parts

[samthejudgeamos · 7/10 · 28 October 2021]

The scenery,oh mu goodness I want to go any look at that line of lochs. A few obvious twists such as the pregnancy and not the worlds strongest ending, but a good watch and well filmed.