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.
- Awards
- 6 wins & 6 nominations total
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Did you know
- 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."
- ConnectionsFeatured in Jeremy Vine: Episode #3.182 (2020)
- SoundtracksYou Kept Them For A Year
Written by Sarah Warne
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Дес
- Filming locations
- HM Prison Shepton Mallet, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, UK(Later prison interiors)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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