The Secret of Crickley Hall (TV series)
The Secret of Crickley Hall is a British supernatural horror television series based on the 2006 novel of the same name by James Herbert. The series aired on BBC One in three parts from 29 October to 12 November 2012.
Synopsis:
The story follows the Caleigh family - Gabe, Olivia, and their daughters Loren and Cami - who move to Crickley Hall, a large, old house in Devon, in the hope of leaving behind the grief and trauma associated with the disappearance of their young son, Cameron, eight years prior. As they settle into their new home, strange and inexplicable events begin to occur, suggesting the house is haunted by the spirits of children and a cruel headmaster from a former orphanage that occupied the building during World War II.
Olivia becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the secrets of Crickley Hall, believing that doing so might somehow lead her to Cameron. She delves into the history of the house and the orphanage, uncovering a tragic tale of abuse, neglect, and death. Meanwhile, Gabe struggles to cope with Olivia's obsession and the unsettling atmosphere of the house, trying to protect his daughters and maintain a semblance of normality.
Through flashbacks, the viewer sees the horrors that occurred at Crickley Hall during the war, revealing the identity of the malevolent forces at work. The series explores themes of grief, loss, guilt, and the enduring power of love. Ultimately, the Caleigh family must confront the dark history of Crickley Hall in order to find peace and perhaps even discover the truth about Cameron's disappearance.
Cast:
- Suranne Jones as Olivia Caleigh
- Tom Ellis as Gabe Caleigh
- Maisie Williams as Loren Caleigh
- Pixie Davies as Cami Caleigh
- Iain De Caestecker as Percy Judd
- David Warner as Maurice Stafford
- Douglas Henshall as Augustus Cribben
Production:
The series was adapted for television by Joe Ahearne and directed by him. It was produced by Pier Pressure Productions for the BBC.
Reception:
The Secret of Crickley Hall received mixed reviews, with praise for its atmospheric setting, strong performances, and suspenseful storyline, but also criticism for its pacing and reliance on familiar horror tropes.