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IMDbPro

Des

  • TV Mini Series
  • 2020
  • 16
  • 48m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
23K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,038
195
David Tennant in Des (2020)
In 1983 Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen was arrested after the discovery of human remains which had blocked a drain near his London home.
Play trailer2:32
2 Videos
99+ Photos
Serial KillerTrue CrimeBiographyCrimeDramaHistoryThriller

In 1983, Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen was arrested after the discovery of human remains which had blocked a drain near his London home.In 1983, Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen was arrested after the discovery of human remains which had blocked a drain near his London home.In 1983, Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen was arrested after the discovery of human remains which had blocked a drain near his London home.

  • Stars
    • David Tennant
    • Daniel Mays
    • Jason Watkins
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.6/10
    23K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,038
    195
    • Stars
      • David Tennant
      • Daniel Mays
      • Jason Watkins
    • 114User reviews
    • 18Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 6 wins & 6 nominations total

    Episodes3

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated1 season2020

    Videos2

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:32
    Official Trailer
    Des
    Trailer 0:57
    Des
    Des
    Trailer 0:57
    Des

    Photos289

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    + 285
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    Top cast40

    Edit
    David Tennant
    David Tennant
    • Dennis Nilsen
    • 2020
    Daniel Mays
    Daniel Mays
    • DCI Peter Jay
    • 2020
    Jason Watkins
    Jason Watkins
    • Brian Masters
    • 2020
    Ron Cook
    Ron Cook
    • DSU Geoff Chambers
    • 2020
    Barry Ward
    Barry Ward
    • DI Steve McCusker
    • 2020
    Faye McKeever
    Faye McKeever
    • Linda Jay
    • 2020
    Ben Bailey Smith
    Ben Bailey Smith
    • DC Brian Lodge
    • 2020
    Bronagh Waugh
    Bronagh Waugh
    • Charlotte Proctor
    • 2020
    Jay Simpson
    Jay Simpson
    • DS Chris Healey
    • 2020
    Alex Bhat
    • DS1…
    • 2020
    Joel Morris
    Joel Morris
    • Tim Wells
    • 2020
    Andy Jaye
    • News Correspondent
    • 2020
    Chanel Cresswell
    Chanel Cresswell
    • Lesley Mead
    • 2020
    Jonathan Coy
    Jonathan Coy
    • Professor David Bowen
    • 2020
    Oscar Salem
    Oscar Salem
    • Juan
    • 2020
    Cal MacAninch
    Cal MacAninch
    • Neil Sinclair
    • 2020
    Neil Edmond
    Neil Edmond
    • Clerk of the Court
    • 2020
    Ross Anderson
    Ross Anderson
    • Douglas Stewart
    • 2020
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews114

    7.622.8K
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    Featured reviews

    10Sleepin_Dragon

    There's a BAFTA in this for Tennant.

    The Story is Dennis Nilsen, the infamous serial killer, who had a particular type of victim.

    It's a well known story, brought to life vividly in this terrific drama, it's an uncomfortable watch at times, he truly was a monster.

    David Tennant, I have no doubts at all that he will be winning a BAFTA for his portrayal here, he proves once again that he is an incredibly talented actor. He is incredible, but also has an uncanny resemblance to Nilsen.

    There have been a few real life dramatisations, to think of White House Farm, and a few others, this is arguably the best of them. Mays and Watkins are great also.

    Terrific,10/10.
    9W011y4m5

    Highly recommended.

    It's really commendable for the creators of "Des" to chronicle the story of Dennis Nilsen's conviction without ever venturing in to territory which could've so easily become sensationalist or disrespectful to any of his victims - had other people been entrusted to helm the major undertaking for the broadcaster instead.

    The show somehow manages to strike the perfect balance between depicting the irredeemable monstrosity of the title character - played expertly by indomitable talent, David Tennant - whilst simultaneously refraining from ever glorifying his role or his crimes, alternatively opting to explore his unconscionable vulgarities through the depiction of their lasting consequences; the resulting trauma, pain & grief endured by those who either survived or lost loved ones.

    It's this admirable creative decision - conscientiously grounding the narrative in the perspectives of humanity (rather than indulging in the inhumanity) - which elevates the material & solidifies the season as one of the best ITV has released in recent memory - as disturbing & uncomfortable as it remains to watch.
    10mattysharpe-50266

    David Tennants performance is one to remember!

    Possibly the greatest role David has played to date. Utterly creepy whilst deadly smart. A gripping drama that will make you really question what mankind is capavle of at the worst of times.
    9muamba_eats_toast

    Tennant and Mays are fantastic!

    Some extremely fine acting a compelling and horrifying true story done right by the cast! One of the best mini series for a while on ITV!
    10daviddunn-90653

    Another Acting Masterclass From David Tennant.

    David Tennant's portrayal of Dennis Nilsen is chilling. His resemblance to the serial killer is frighteningly uncanny. This is yet another masterclass in acting from Tennant who really can perform any role he is given at an extraordinarily high level.

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    7.2
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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      "Des" was the nickname that was part of Nilsen's public persona. Luke Neal told Radio Times: "'Des' was something that Dennis Nilsen called himself. To people that knew him, Nilsen was head of a union. He was somebody who was a champion of the downtrodden. He was somebody who was nice to people. But 'Des' was a construct that Dennis Nilsen had made in order to get people back to his flat and to kill them."
    • Connections
      Featured in Jeremy Vine: Episode #3.182 (2020)
    • Soundtracks
      You Kept Them For A Year
      Written by Sarah Warne

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    FAQ

    • How many seasons does Des have?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 29, 2020 (France)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official sites
      • ITV Hub (United Kingdom)
      • ITVX (United Kingdom)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Дес
    • Filming locations
      • HM Prison Shepton Mallet, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, UK(Later prison interiors)
    • Production company
      • ITN Source / ITV Studios
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      48 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo

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