Films So Good

There’s a strange feeling when you watch a TV series that’s considered a B-tier production. On one hand, you can’t compare it to high-budget shows; on the other hand, a small budget can’t be used as an excuse. I tried to balance these two thoughts while watching The Rumour.

Plot

“The Rumour” takes place in a small British town. Joan (Rachel Shenton) moves there with her son to be closer to her mother, leaving her partner behind without any explanation. On her first day working as a real estate agent, Joan reads an online post claiming that Sally Hawkins, a child killer is living in the same town. Hawkins committed the crime when she was a child, and now, forty years later, she is living in the town under a new identity. When Joan discusses the post with some of the mothers at her son’s school, the story quickly turns into a rumor — and soon, a new killer begins targeting people suspected of being Hawkins.

My Impression

As the story unfolds, I’d say I generally liked the series. The plot is engaging, weaving together events from the past and the present. There are still some unanswered questions — like why Joan left home or what motivated Hawkins to commit the killing as a child — but the main storyline remains solid. It’s not a typical “find the killer” story; instead, it delves into deeper psychological layers.

The cast is also strong. I might be a bit subjective, since I have great respect for Shenton’s work, but she and Joanne Whalley form a compelling mother–daughter duo. Emily Atack delivers a good performance too, although her role could have been more significant.

One major downside was the sound design. The show tried to use audio cues to build suspense, but the sound was harsh and unpleasant. The atmosphere was already tense and well-crafted, so the extra noise wasn’t necessary at all.

My Final Comment

Overall, The Rumour is a series worth watching. If it weren’t, this article probably wouldn’t exist. The truth is that it checks many boxes for me and managed to hold my attention despite its flaws.

Series Grade: 65/100

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