Series One

When you think of Peter Capaldi, I would guess that Malcolm Tucker and Doctor Who are the first things that come to mind. You don’t necessarily perceive him as a villain although some may argue that Dr Who has some villainous streaks in him at times. Peter Capaldi stars in this new series, a British psychological thriller for Amazon Prime, that weaves together elements of crime, horror, and the supernatural. Welcome to “The Devils Hour” written by Tom Moran.

Season One follows Lucy Chambers. Every night Lucy wakes at 3:33a.m., commonly known as ‘devils’ hour.’ We discover that Lucy is waking up at that time because that is the exact time her mother took her own life in another loop – before someone stopped that from happening.

Lucy (Jessica Raine) is an overstretched social worker in Children’s Services, she is also dealing with an aged mother who has dementia, and the end of her marriage to Mike. The biggest puzzle and struggle for Lucy is her unreachable, heartbreaking puzzle of a child, Isaac (Benjamin Chivers). He displays little to no emotion, he is suggestible, vulnerable, and given to seeing and hearing from figures invisible to others.

There are multiple crimes happening around Lucy’s life. The detective that we see investigating the crimes, Ravi Dhillon, realises that the crimes have one central link, Lucy. As she becomes entangled in these events, she begins to question her own memories, realities, and her sanity. Ravi also finds out that she is being huntedby a man, who know more about Lucy’s life than she does. Enter Peter Capaldi as Gideon Shepherd.

Gideon, during a meeting with Lucy explains to her that he is incarnate and can see the future. He tells her that, he’s been killing people but only to save others who would otherwise have died. Gideon reveals that he murdered his own father, to save his own life, because in a previous life cycle, Gideon’s father ‘murdered him first.’ Confused yet?

During his further lives, Gideon stopped crime after crime from happening. Director Shaun James Grant said, “When you then start to drill down into the character of Gideon, you understand what’s brought him to this place, you start to realise that everything he’s doing is for, in his mind, the greater good.”

Gideon tells Lucy that she is incarnate too. He tells her that the current world is not one that Issac existed in, but he travels between the worlds/lives.

Season One ends with the Lucy’s house on fire, and she and Issac appearing to perish.

Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi’s performance in “The Devil’s Hour” is intense and multifaceted. He brings a sense of gravitas and complexity to his character, who is shrouded in mystery and moral ambiguity. Capaldi skillfully balances vulnerability and menace, making his character unpredictable and intriguing. His ability to convey deep emotional layers adds tension to the narrative, particularly in his interactions with Jessica Raine’s character. Fans of Capaldi will appreciate how he navigates the darker themes of the series, displaying his range as an actor.

Jessica Raine

Jessica Raine’s performance in “The Devil’s Hour” is captivating and powerful. She portrays a character grappling with intense psychological turmoil, and her ability to convey vulnerability and strength adds depth to the narrative. Raine brings a raw emotional quality to her role, making her character’s struggles feel very real and relatable. Her chemistry with Peter Capaldi enhances the tension and complexity of their interactions, driving the story forward. Jessica’s nuanced performance keeps viewers engaged and invested in her journey throughout the series.

Benjamin Chivers

Benjamin Chivers, as a young actor in “The Devil’s Hour,” impressively navigates a challenging role. He brings a natural authenticity to his character, conveying emotions that resonate deeply with the audience. His ability to express fear, innocence, and resilience adds significant weight to the storyline, especially in scenes that require a balance of vulnerability and strength. Chivers’s performance effectively draws viewers into the emotional landscape of the show, making his character’s experiences relatable and poignant. It’s always remarkable to see such talent in young actors!

The horror and supernatural elements of the show are executed brilliantly, but what is even more chilling is the psychological horror conveyed through the performances. Each actor delivers a powerful portrayal that truly immerses you in their characters’ fears and struggles, making the experience even more terrifying.

The show is known for the strong performances from its incredible cast and the tension and atmosphere of the underlying story. While the narrative is a gripping one, the idea of the story is a unique one. The uniqueness enables a strong blend of trauma, memory, and evil with a deep psychological depth to it.

The complex storyline can be a bit uneven for some viewers, but it has nevertheless developed a cult following. It’s a compelling watch for those who enjoy a thriller with complexity, twists, turns and good old fashioned ‘jump scares.’

Every aspect of horror is here for the taking. Blood-stained toys, flickering figures in the darkness, shotguns, shadows, noises you do not expect and more. Issac himself is a worrying figure. But then there is Peter Capaldi, handcuffed to a table in a dimly lit police interview room.

Overall, “The Devil’s Hour” stands out for its originality and depth, making it a notable addition to the genre.