If you’re on the lookout for a mind-bending thriller that’ll keep you guessing through its endless twists and turns, we’ve found an exceptional crime drama you’ll want to add to your list. We’re taking you around the world to the stunning Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand’s South Island for The Sounds. Don't worry, you don’t need to leave the comfort of your sofa – and it’s a must-watch for Broadchurch fans.
The series introduces us to the married couple, Tom (Matt Whelan) and Maggie (Rachelle Lefevre), who have moved across the world from Tom's domineering family in Canada to set-up a sustainable salmon farm in New Zealand. But, when Maggie arrives to join her husband, their dream new life quickly turns into a nightmare – Tom vanishes and we soon learn that nothing is as it seems in this eerie town full of secrets…
With the series available to stream now, here’s everything you need to know about The Sounds, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is The Sounds about?
The eight-part series, which first aired in 2020, takes us to the town of Pelorus, New Zealand, which sits on an ancient network of sunken river valleys called Marlborough Sounds – and at first, it appears to be paradise. Here we meet Canadian emigrants, Maggie (Rachelle Lefevre) and Tom (Matt Whelan), who are setting up an eco-friendly salmon farm away from Tom’s oppressive family in Canada.
Their serene venture starts out well, Tom has been established in the country for a while, and the series kicks off with Maggie arriving. Excited to see each other, they spend the night on a yacht, but when Tom goes out for an early morning kayaking trip, he doesn’t return…
And so begins a twisty search for Tom, lead by the detective, Jack (Matt Nable), but nothing in this picture-perfect town is as it seems. Long-buried secrets are unearthed, including embezzlement, infidelity and crimes. Maggie soon realises her husband, with whom she she shares 20 years of marriage, is not the man she thought he was – but she’s also harbouring secrets of her own. A huge storm hits and the search proves futile. Upon learning the news, Tom’s wealthy and overbearing family send over their accountant, Esther Ishikawa (Emily Piggford), to investigate.
Across the series, we learn perhaps there was more to the so-called sustainable salmon project, and a series of flashbacks leaves us to piece together the mystery and history of a complicated marriage. But will Tom ever be found, and will the troubled paradise find peace?
Who’s in the cast of The Sounds?
The cast of The Sounds includes:
- Rachelle Lefevre (Proven Innocent, Under The Dome, White House Down) as Maggie Cabbott
- Matt Whelan (The Luminaries, Narcos) as Tom Cabbott
- Matt Nable (Arrow, Dead Lucky, Riddick) as Jack McGregor
- Emily Piggford (The Girlfriend Experience) as Esther Ishikawa
- Peter Elliott (Tarzan) as Stuart McGregor
- Anna-Maree Thomas (The Brokenwood Mysteries) as Zoe McGregor
- Vanessa Rare (Last Man Standing) as Pania Cottle
- Tandi Wright (800 Words, The Returned) as Kath Hines
- Morgana O’Reilly (Wentworth) as Hannah McGregor
- Tainui Tukiwaho (Step Dave) as Ru Kelliher
- John Bach (Janet King, Jack Irish) as Frank Cabbott
- Josh McKenzie (The New Legends Of Monkey) as Nate Cabbott
- Adam Brown (The Hobbit) as Dane McGregor
- Emma Fenton (Filthy Rich) as Tracy
- Sara Wiseman (A Place To Call Home, Rake) as Annette McGregor
Is The Sounds any good?
Yes – if you’re into a crime thriller full of twists and turns, you’re going to want to tune into The Sounds. As we mentioned, if you’re a Broadchurch lover, where a similarly small coastal town is rocked by sinister secrets, you’re going to want to tune in. The mystifying dynamic between the seemingly happy married couple, Maggie and Tom, kept us hooked – and there’s a huge twist in the story that left us gobsmacked. Paired with the stunning scenery of New Zealand, it’s a series you’ll want to binge in one.
Is there a trailer for The Sounds?
Yes – you can watch the trailer for The Sounds below.
How can I watch The Sounds?
You can watch The Sounds now on Prime Video via Acorn TV.
What other crime dramas can I watch now?
If you’re in the mood for another thrilling crime drama, we’d point you towards the series From Darkness, which first aired in 2015, where we meet Claire Church (Anne-Marie Duff), a former police officer who’s moved to a remote Scottish island to start a new life. Then, a chilling discovery on her former Manchester patch forces her to confront the past she’s tried so hard to flee from. You can watch From Darkness now on U. If you’re after another British detective drama, we’d recommend The Tower, which stars Gemma Whelan as Detective Sarah Collins, who investigates the dark side of policing. The drama kicks off at a southeast London tower block, where a Metropolitan police officer and a 15-year-old refugee have plummeted to their deaths – and it’s the beginning of a catalogue of compelling mysteries. You can watch The Tower now on ITVX.
