Midwinter of the Spirit

Midwinter Of The Spirit is a British horror drama television series that was broadcast as three episodes from 23 September 2015 to 7 October 2015, and stars Anna Maxwell Martin, David Threlfall, and Sally Messham.

Plot

The series is based on Phil Rickman's "Merrily Watkins" series of books, of which "Midwinter of the Spirit" is the second in the series.
This series follows country vicar Merrily Watkins, who is one of the few women priests working as an exorcist in the UK. She is being mentored in the art of exorcism by clergyman Huw Owen, despite warnings from Canon Dobbs. When a grisly murder takes place in her local area, the police come calling for her assistance.

Cast

Anna Maxwell Martin as Vicar Merrily Watkins
David Threlfall as Huw Owen
Sally Messham as Jane Watkins
Nicholas Pinnock as Bishop Mick Hunter
Kate Dickie as DCI Annie Howe
Leila Mimmack as Rowenna Napier
Siobhan Finneran as Angela Purefoy
Ania Marson as Mrs. Joy
Ben Bailey Smith as Lol Robinson
Will Attenborough as James Lydon
David Sterne as Canon Dobbs

Production

Development

The show was filmed in Herefordshire. Cathedral interiors were however filmed in Chester.
David Threlfall consulted with an exorcist for advice on his role.

Episodes

Series 1

Reception

Critical reception

The Daily Telegraph says that it's a "surprisingly faithful adaptation" while being "exceptionally creepy without ever venturing beyond the bounds of the credible". The Guardian newspaper reviewed the show by saying it "is not a slow build", and that "it dives straight in", and it adds that "it’s still a lot of fun, just the thing to both cheer and chill as the nights close in."