Looking for a new crime drama to get hooked on? Then get ready for ' Long Bright River ' on Peacock. This show stars the amazing Amanda Seyfried in a role you have never seen her play before. Forget rom-coms and musicals. Seyfried is a gritty Philly cop in this series and it is intense.
Kensington Crime and Family Secrets: The Plot of 'Long Bright River' Unpacked
The show is based on Liz Moore's popular book of the same name and it drops us right into Kensington Philadelphia. Seyfried plays Mickey Fitzpatrick a patrol officer working the beat in a tough neighborhood. She is not just dealing with the daily grind of police work. Mickey is also caught up in a series of murders targeting sex workers. As she tries to find the killer she is also searching for her missing sister Kacey.
family drama is at the heart of this story. Mickey and Kacey have a complicated past and Mickey has to confront her own history in Kensington as she investigates. It is a mystery a family story and a look at a complex part of Philadelphia all rolled into one.
Amanda Seyfried as Mickey: Becoming a Beat Cop in Kensington
Amanda Seyfried is seriously impressive as Mickey. She is known for being in movies like 'Mean Girls' and 'Mamma Mia!' but this role is different. Seyfried really transforms into a no-nonsense police officer. To get ready for the role she actually did a ride-along with real Philadelphia cops in Kensington.
Seyfried said it was eye-opening. She saw how the officers handled tough situations with "humility" and "discretion". This experience helped her understand how to play Mickey as a believable and human police officer. Mickey is not your typical TV cop hero. She is flawed and complex. Seyfried herself said Mickey is "unlikable" at times but that is what makes her interesting. She is hardened by her past and her job but she is also determined to find justice and find her sister.
Philly Vibe in NYC? Bringing Kensington to the Screen
Even though 'Long Bright River' is set in Philadelphia it was actually filmed in New York City. But the show did a lot to make it feel authentically Philly. Author Liz Moore was heavily involved in the show's production. She made sure they got the details right. They even brought in real Philly people to be part of the show. Franciscan priest Father Michael Duffy and Philly rapper OT The Real are in the cast bringing local authenticity.
Moore wanted to make Philly a character itself. She was always there to guide the production and make sure they stayed true to the city and to Kensington. They even hired Philadelphia street artists and musicians to add to the local vibe. Seyfried who grew up near Philly said filming the series felt like "coming home a bit".
Book to Series: What Did 'Long Bright River' Change From Liz Moore's Novel?
If you have read the book 'Long Bright River' you might be wondering what is different in the TV series. Showrunner Nikki Toscano explained that some changes were necessary to adapt the story for TV. One big change was the killer's motive. In the book the killer's motive is more random but the series made it more focused and meaningful.
Toscano and Moore discussed how to avoid typical murder mystery clichés. They wanted to tell a "victim empowerment story". The show focuses on women who have been "discounted" finding their voice and taking back power. This theme became more central in the series adaptation. Moore was involved in these changes and even co-wrote some episodes. She was open to adapting her story to create the most compelling TV show possible.
Meet the 'Long Bright River' Cast: Beyond Amanda Seyfried
While Amanda Seyfried is the star 'Long Bright River' has a strong supporting cast:
- Ashleigh Cummings as Kacey: Mickey's missing sister. Cummings brings a complex portrayal to Kacey's struggles with addiction.
- Nicholas Pinnock as Truman: Mickey's former partner and love interest. Pinnock plays Truman with a quiet intensity.
- John Doman as Gee: Mickey and Kacey's grandfather. Doman a Philly native adds gravitas as the family patriarch.
- Callum Vinson as Thomas: Mickey's son. Vinson is excellent as the young Thomas caught between his mother's tough world and desire for normalcy.
These actors together create a believable and compelling world in 'Long Bright River'.
'Long Bright River' vs 'Mare of Easttown' and Other Philly Crime Dramas
'Long Bright River' is not the only recent crime drama set in the Philadelphia area. It is being compared to 'Mare of Easttown' which was also a dark and intense series set near Philly. 'Long Bright River' shares that gritty tone and focus on local characters. But it is also different.
Unlike 'Mare of Easttown' 'Long Bright River' is set right in Philadelphia specifically Kensington. It also explores different themes focusing more on addiction poverty and sisterhood. Other Philly-set shows like 'Deli Boys' and 'Dope Thief' offer different perspectives on the city's crime landscape with 'Deli Boys' being a comedy and 'Dope Thief' a suspenseful thriller. 'Long Bright River' stands out for its raw emotion complex characters and focus on social issues within Kensington.
Why You Should Watch 'Long Bright River': Key Selling Points
- Amanda Seyfried's Powerful Performance: See Seyfried in a career-defining role as a complex and tough Philly cop.
- Grit and Realism: The show offers a grounded and authentic look at Kensington Philadelphia and the opioid crisis.
- Compelling Mystery: You will be hooked trying to solve the murders alongside Mickey while also unraveling family secrets.
- Emotional Depth: 'Long Bright River' explores themes of addiction poverty family bonds and sisterhood in a moving way.
- Authentic Philly Vibe: Despite filming in NYC the show captures the spirit and feel of Philadelphia with local talent and details.