If there’s one thing you learn from watching a lot of television, it’s that tiny British towns—often on the coast—are a treasure trove of horror. These tiny little hamlets and their many, many secrets are simply full of murder, catastrophe, and hauntings. The upcoming Apple TV+ limited series The Essex Serpent is delivering all of the above, complete with a healthy dose of spooky mythical monster. Tom Hiddleston stars as a local vicar who teams up with Claire Danes’ newly-arrived widow to investigate the sea monster plaguing their town. But that’s not as easy as it sounds in a Victorian-era village ripe with paranoia.
The full trailer for The Essex Serpent leans hard on the sinister vibe. From its densely foggy shores to the group of townspeople ready to grab torches and pitchforks, we’re in for one ominous ride.
Sure, Hiddleston previously encountered Alligator Loki. But does he have what it takes to face off against the Essex Serpent? We shall see soon enough!
Based on the novel of the same name by Sarah Perry, The Essex Serpent spans six episodes. Dark River‘s Clio Barnard directs the script from Anna Symon. Forbidden romance, mysterious death, and a woman potentially ahead of her time? This series really has everything! And The Essex Serpent is making no mistake in hinting at what’s ahead, letting us know right off the bat that danger is afoot for Danes’ character. Curiosity is a dangerous thing, especially in a town consumed by tragedy.
Here’s what the series is about per Apple TV+:
Set in Victorian England featuring a star studded cast led by Danes, Hiddleston, Frank Dillane, Clémence Poésy and Hayley Squires, The Essex Serpent follows London widow Cora Seaborne (Danes) who moves to Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent. She forms a surprising bond of science and skepticism with the local pastor (Hiddleston), but when tragedy strikes, locals accuse her of attracting the creature.
Luckily, it appears the series isn’t giving too much away. But I hope The Essex Serpent fully dives into the spooky gothic tone teased in the trailer. The trailer is chilling enough, but I’m excited to see a whole lot more. Plus, it’s been a minute since Hiddleston hopped back into a gothic tale. And I’m always excited for more.
The Essex Serpent debuts on Apple TV+ on May 13.