Down Cemetery Road: Emma Thompson’s New Mystery Series Divides Critics & Audiences On Rotten Tomatoes

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The new British series, Down Cemetery Road, available on Apple TV+, is getting mixed reactions from both critics and viewers, according to Rotten Tomatoes. It stars Emma Thompson, the acclaimed actress who has won two Oscars for her roles in Howards End (1992) and Sense and Sensibility (1995), and is also famous for playing Professor Sybill Trelawney in the Harry Potter films.

Since its debut on October 29th, Down Cemetery Road has received a 79% rating from critics and a 55% rating from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. However, these scores are based on 39 critic reviews and fewer than 50 user ratings, so they may shift as more people watch and review the show.

Down Cemetery Road, based on a novel by Mick Herron (author of Slow Horses), features Emma Thompson as a private investigator. She’s called in when a girl disappears after a house explosion in a peaceful neighborhood, and soon uncovers hidden secrets and a dangerous military conspiracy that throws everything into turmoil.

The show features a talented cast including Ruth Wilson (known for Jane Eyre and Mrs. Wilson), Adeel Akhtar (a two-time BAFTA winner, with roles in Murdered By My Father and Sherwood), Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Tom Goodman-Hill (an Emmy nominee from Baby Reindeer), BAFTA winner Darren Boyd (Spy), as well as Tom Riley, Adam Godley, Sinead Matthews, Ken Nwosu, Fehinti Balogun, Aiysha Hart, Steven Cree, and Ella Bruccoleri.

In a review for ScreenRant, Mae Abdulbaki praised the Apple TV+ series Down Cemetery Road, highlighting Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson’s excellent performances. She noted the show is a thrilling mystery that unfolds at a deliberate, well-maintained pace, making even the quieter moments feel suspenseful.

The show is receiving good reviews, with critics highlighting its smart writing, subtle humor, and strong performances by Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson. They appreciate the suspense, cleverness, and visually appealing style, describing it as a gripping mystery, although some feel the tone and speed are uneven. Most critics agree that Emma Thompson’s captivating performance alone makes the show worth watching, even if a few find it a bit excessive.

Viewers have very different opinions about Down Cemetery Road. While some enjoy its clever plot, suspense, and acting, many others criticize it for being badly written, over-the-top, and unbelievable.

The difference in opinion between critics and viewers of Down Cemetery Road appears to come down to what people were hoping for. Critics admired the show’s boldness, acting, and overall mood, but audiences, especially those familiar with the Slow Horses series, found it confusing and too focused on style over substance. They were expecting a more realistic and straightforward story, typical of Mick Herron’s work.

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2025-11-04 21:49