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.
