The film was shot in a picturesque lakeside town in Greater Lancashire and Greater Manchester. It tells the story of Detective Ember Manning, who is tasked with investigating a devastating fire at a local boathouse. As she delves deeper into the intricate case, Manning, played by Jenna Coleman, uncovers a complex web of secrets and lies that not only poses a significant threat to the stability and tranquility of her hometown but also forces her to confront painful and long-buried details from her own past. The narrative explores themes of memory, community, and the disturbing impact of unresolved trauma. The setting shifts between serene natural landscapes and the more urban conditions of a market town, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding mystery.

Filming Locations:

Baitings Dam

In the Film

Scene where at the very beginning of the first episode, a panoramic shot appears, showcasing its imposing structure and the vast, open landscapes around it, contributing to the atmospheric sense of place in the series.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Baitings Dam, a significant part of the reservoir network located in Ripponden, West Yorkshire. Completed in 1956, this dam is an impressive engineering structure situated in the Pennines, serving as a crucial water supply for the surrounding areas. Its imposing structure and vast expanse of water create a dramatic and somewhat isolated backdrop, lending a particular atmosphere to the opening moments of the first episode.

Todmorden High School (Fictional Hap Comprehensive School)

In the Film

Scene where the school building is depicted as Hap Comprehensive School, presumably hosting scenes involving younger characters or flashbacks that are integral to the plot or character development.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Todmorden High School, located on Ewood Lane, serving as the setting for the fictional Hap Comprehensive School in the series. This real educational institution provided an authentic and recognizable backdrop for any scenes requiring a school setting, integrating the actual building into the show's narrative. Its modern facilities and campus layout made it suitable for filming.

Ember's Family Home (near the canal)

In the Film

Scene where Ember's family home is shown, located right next to a historic canal lock, suggesting a connection to the town's industrial past and providing a secluded yet picturesque home setting for the detective.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a house strategically located next to one of the canal locks near the main part of Todmorden, along the Rochdale Canal. This particular setting highlights the region's industrial heritage, combining a tranquil rural landscape with the historic engineering structure of the canal system. The house's position by the lock provides a distinct and characteristic backdrop for the protagonist's personal life.

Amy Knightley's Family Home

In the Film

Scene where Amy Knightley's family home is shown, characterized by elegant Georgian architecture and notably including an empty swimming pool, hinting at the character's past and potentially a sense of desolation or past events.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at an elegant four-bedroom Georgian house located in Ripponden, in the picturesque Ryburn Valley. This large property, reportedly valued at around £800,000 at the time of its market appearance, offers a sense of affluence and historic charm. The exact address is not disclosed for privacy reasons, but its presence in this scenic valley suggests a setting of rural sophistication for the character's past.

Trafford Town Hall (Fictional Kings Royal Hospital)

In the Film

Scene where the building serves as the fictional Kings Royal Hospital, providing an important institutional setting for medical or investigative scenes in the storyline.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Trafford Town Hall, a prominent neoclassical historic landmark located in Stretford, Greater Manchester. Completed in 1933, this impressive building served as the fictional Kings Royal Hospital in the series. Its grand architecture and majestic appearance lent credibility and a sense of institutional seriousness to the hospital scenes, making it an ideal choice for a formal and official setting.