'Des': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about the 3-part true-crime drama on British serial killer Dennis Nilsen
'Des' is a limited three-part miniseries that chronicles the arrest, investigation and trial of British serial killer Dennis Nilsen. It had originally aired in the UK on September 14, 2020, and the true-crime ITV drama that focuses on one of Britain's most prolific serial killers is set to come to Sundance Now. Here is all you need to know about its upcoming release.
Release date
'Des' premieres Thursday, October 15, 2020.
Plot
The official synopsis from Sundance Now's press release reads, "'Des' is a true-crime drama focusing on one of the most infamous criminal cases in UK history - Dennis Nilsen. Known as the 'kindly killer', Nilsen (David Tennant) was a local civil servant who spent five years murdering boys and young men he met on the streets of London's Soho from 1978 to 1983. He would meet and befriend these men before offering them food or lodgings for the evening back at his North London flat. His victims were often homeless or living off grid, having slipped through the cracks of 1980s British society and were therefore welcoming of this stranger's apparent generosity. When he was finally caught on February 9, 1983, Nilsen had murdered a total of fifteen men over a period of five years, making him Britain's most prolific serial killer of the time.
After his arrest, Nilsen was astonishing in his honesty: admitting outright to all fifteen murders in the police car outside his flat. But infuriatingly for the investigating detectives, he couldn't remember any of his victims' names. With no apparent motive, inconclusive forensic evidence and most of Nilsen's victims living off-grid, the police started the biggest manhunt investigation in UK history. This time not for the murderer, but for the murdered. The story is told through the prism of three isolated men - a detective, a biographer and Nilsen himself. While Detective Peter Jay (Daniel Mays) and the police investigation's attempt to get justice for as many victims as possible provides the narrative and emotional spine, the relationship between Nilsen and his biographer Brian Masters (Jason Watkins) allows us to delve into the mind of one of the most emotionally elusive serial killers the world has ever seen. Can we ever really understand the mind of a psychopathic killer? And, if we try, what price do we pay?"
Cast
David Tennant as serial killer Dennis Nilsen
Tennant is not only known for playing 'Doctor Who' but most recently, as Crowley in 'Good Omens'. He is also known for his roles as D.I. Alec Hardy in 'Broadchurch' (2013-2017), Peter Vincent in 'Friday Night' (2011), and Kilgrave in 'Jessica Jones' (2015-2019).
Daniel Mays as Detective Peter Jay
Many may recognize Mays for his recent excellent role as Marcus on Netflix's 'White Lines' (2020). He is also known for his roles Danny in the TV series 'Line of Duty' (2016), Arthur Young in 'Good Omens' (2019), and DI John Major in 'Code 404' (2020-2021).
Jason Watkins as the biographer, Brian Masters
Watkins is popular for his role as Harold Wilson in 'The Crown' (2019) and Emlyn Hooson in the TV mini-series 'A Very English Scandal' (2018). His most recent works include 'McDonald & Dodds' (2020), 'Hitmen' (2020) and 'W1A' (2014-2020).
The rest of the cast includes Ron Cook as DSI Geoff Chambers, Barry Ward as DI Steve McCusker, Faye McKeever as Linda Jay, Ben Bailey Smith as DC Brian Lodge, Bronagh Waugh as Charlotte Proctor, Jay Simpson as DS Chris Healey, Alex Bhat as DS Jones, Joel Morris as Tim Wells, Andy Jaye as a News Correspondent, Chanel Cresswell as Lesley Mead, Jonathan Coy as Professor David Bowen and many more.
Creators
The limited series is directed by Lewis Arnold with Arnold, Kelly Jones, Brian Masters, and Luke Neal serving as writers. Arnold, Willow Grylls, Neal, Charles Pattinson, Elaine Pyke, David Tennant, and Kim Varvell serve as executive producers.
Trailer
The short trailer shows glimpses of the serial killer Dennis Nilsen and his full cooperation in not only the investigation but the dead body count. Being a true-crime drama, the thrilling trailer speaks on its own with David Tennant doing an excellent job portraying one of Britain's deadliest killers.
Where to watch
Catch 'Des' on Thursday, October 15, 2020 on Sundance Now
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