In 1983, Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen was arrested after the discovery of human remains which had blocked a drain near his London home.In 1983, Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen was arrested after the discovery of human remains which had blocked a drain near his London home.In 1983, Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen was arrested after the discovery of human remains which had blocked a drain near his London home.
- Awards
- 6 wins & 6 nominations total
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Featured reviews
The Story is Dennis Nilsen, the infamous serial killer, who had a particular type of victim.
It's a well known story, brought to life vividly in this terrific drama, it's an uncomfortable watch at times, he truly was a monster.
David Tennant, I have no doubts at all that he will be winning a BAFTA for his portrayal here, he proves once again that he is an incredibly talented actor. He is incredible, but also has an uncanny resemblance to Nilsen.
There have been a few real life dramatisations, to think of White House Farm, and a few others, this is arguably the best of them. Mays and Watkins are great also.
Terrific,10/10.
It's a well known story, brought to life vividly in this terrific drama, it's an uncomfortable watch at times, he truly was a monster.
David Tennant, I have no doubts at all that he will be winning a BAFTA for his portrayal here, he proves once again that he is an incredibly talented actor. He is incredible, but also has an uncanny resemblance to Nilsen.
There have been a few real life dramatisations, to think of White House Farm, and a few others, this is arguably the best of them. Mays and Watkins are great also.
Terrific,10/10.
Some extremely fine acting a compelling and horrifying true story done right by the cast! One of the best mini series for a while on ITV!
David Tennant's portrayal of Dennis Nilsen is chilling. His resemblance to the serial killer is frighteningly uncanny. This is yet another masterclass in acting from Tennant who really can perform any role he is given at an extraordinarily high level.
I know - he is a great actor. But this series proofs more. Because he gives a brilliant game of nuances , fascinating, off course, but , more important convincing in the most creepy way. Portrait of a serial killer is the soft definition. But you feel , slice by scene than it is more. A high demonstration of unique science to explore the character in fair and precise manner. In this case, the performance of David Tennant becomes a story itself.
I need to watch some 10th Doctor Who episodes now, to bring back image of David's smiling face into my head, and replace this deeply disturbing and blood chilling character from DES.
David Tennant blew me away with his performance - he managed to be more creepy and disturbing than the actual Dennis Nielsen. It sucks out all the joy from this world, and leaves you speechless and broken.
Wonderful performance!!!!
The whole cast deserves standing ovation for this show.
Well worth watching this one.
Did you know
- Trivia"Des" was the nickname that was part of Nilsen's public persona. Luke Neal told Radio Times: "'Des' was something that Dennis Nilsen called himself. To people that knew him, Nilsen was head of a union. He was somebody who was a champion of the downtrodden. He was somebody who was nice to people. But 'Des' was a construct that Dennis Nilsen had made in order to get people back to his flat and to kill them."
- ConnectionsFeatured in Jeremy Vine: Episode #3.182 (2020)
- SoundtracksYou Kept Them For A Year
Written by Sarah Warne
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Дес
- Filming locations
- HM Prison Shepton Mallet, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, UK(Later prison interiors)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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