Premiering on Acorn TV on February 17, 2025, A Remarkable Place to Die is a gripping crime drama set in the hauntingly beautiful yet isolated coastal town of Te Whanganui, New Zealand. The series follows Anais Mallory (Chelsie Preston Crayford), a sharp but troubled detective who returns to her hometown to solve a string of mysterious deaths linked to its dark history. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, Anais must confront her own past while navigating a web of lies, betrayal, and long-buried trauma.
With its atmospheric storytelling, complex characters, and stunning New Zealand landscapes, A Remarkable Place to Die blends procedural intrigue with emotional depth. Let’s meet the talented cast bringing this suspenseful tale to life.
The cast of A Remarkable Place to Die:
– Chelsie Preston Crayford as Anais Mallory
Chelsie Preston Crayford, a New Zealand Screen Award winner, stars as Anais Mallory, the brooding detective haunted by her hometown’s ghosts. Known for her roles in The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014–present) and Westside (2015–2020), Crayford excels at portraying strong, enigmatic women. Her performance in The Light Between Oceans (2016) showcased her ability to balance vulnerability with steely resolve, making her a perfect fit for Anais’s layered character.
In A Remarkable Place to Die, Crayford’s nuanced portrayal captures Anais’s internal conflict as she battles personal demons and professional pressures. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast anchors the series’ emotional core, promising a standout performance.
– Rebecca Gibney as Veronica Mallory
Rebecca Gibney, an Australian TV icon known for Packed to the Rafters (2008–2013) and Winter (2015), plays Veronica Mallory, Anais’s estranged mother and a local historian with secrets of her own. Gibney’s career spans decades, earning her multiple Logie Awards for her ability to blend warmth with dramatic intensity.
As Veronica, Gibney delivers a masterclass in understated tension, her character’s knowledge of the town’s history clashing with her daughter’s investigation. Their fraught dynamic adds emotional heft to the series, showcasing Gibney’s talent for layered storytelling.
– Matt Whelan as Simon Delaney
Matt Whelan, star of The Luminaries (2020) and Naked Singles (2022), plays Simon Delaney, a charming yet enigmatic journalist digging into the town’s mysteries. Whelan’s knack for playing morally ambiguous characters, as seen in The Gulf (2019–2021), makes Simon a compelling foil to Anais.
Whelan’s charisma and intensity drive Simon’s arc, blurring the lines between ally and suspect. His chemistry with Crayford adds a spark of romantic tension, complicating Anais’s quest for truth.
– Charles Jazz Terrier as Luke Staunton
Charles Jazz Terrier, a rising star in New Zealand theatre, takes on Luke Staunton, a reclusive artist with ties to the victims. Terrier’s stage work in The Crucible (2022) and Black Lover (2023) has earned acclaim for his ability to embody tortured, introspective characters.
Luke’s cryptic demeanor and hidden motives are brought to life through Terrier’s brooding physicality and quiet intensity, making him a standout in the ensemble.
– Lynette Forday as Sharon Li Feng
Lynette Forday, known for Shortland Street (2019–2021) and The Panthers (2021), plays Sharon Li Feng, the town’s pragmatic mayor fighting to protect its reputation. Forday’s background in political dramas informs Sharon’s calculated poise and hidden vulnerabilities.
Sharon’s clashes with Anais and Simon expose the town’s systemic corruption, with Forday’s performance balancing authority and desperation.
– Roimata Fox as SC Hoana Rata
Roimata Fox, a Māori actress and activist, stars as SC Hoana Rata, a no-nonsense police sergeant and Anais’s reluctant ally. Fox’s work in Waru (2017) and Ahikāroa (2022) highlights her commitment to Indigenous storytelling, bringing authenticity to Hoana’s role.
Hoana’s cultural insights and unwavering integrity challenge Anais’s methods, with Fox’s grounded performance adding depth to the procedural elements.
– Dahnu Graham as Constable Jarrod Renner
Dahnu Graham, known for Head High (2021–2023) and The Bad Seed (2023), plays Constable Jarrod Renner, a rookie cop eager to prove himself. Graham’s youthful energy and earnestness make Jarrod a relatable figure amidst the series’ darker themes.
Jarrod’s journey from idealism to disillusionment mirrors Graham’s talent for portraying innocence tested by harsh realities.
– Alex Tarrant as Ihaka
Alex Tarrant, star of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) and Go Girls (2009–2013), plays Ihaka, a local fisherman with a troubled past. Tarrant’s ability to convey quiet strength, seen in Filthy Rich (2020–2021), adds gravitas to Ihaka’s arc.
Ihaka’s connection to the victims and the sea’s secrets positions him as a key figure in the mystery, with Tarrant’s performance anchoring the show’s cultural resonance.
– Utsa Chatterjee as Anjali Bali
Utsa Chatterjee, known for The Justice of Bunny King (2021) and The Panthers (2021), plays Anjali Bali, a forensic scientist whose discoveries challenge the town’s narrative. Chatterjee’s analytical precision and emotional depth make Anjali a critical voice in the investigation.
Anjali’s outsider perspective clashes with local biases, with Chatterjee’s performance highlighting the intersection of science and societal prejudice.
– Indiana Evans as Maja Staunton
Indiana Evans, Australian star of Home and Away (2008–2010) and Blue Lagoon: The Awakening (2012), plays Maja Staunton, Luke’s estranged sister harboring dark secrets. Evans’s transition from teen roles to darker material, as seen in Crownies (2011), shines in Maja’s complex arc.
Maja’s volatile relationship with Luke and Anais adds emotional stakes, with Evans’s raw performance elevating the tension.
– Tara Canton as Lynne Mallory
Tara Canton, known for The Brokenwood Mysteries (2020) and Step Dave (2014–2015), plays Lynne Mallory, Anais’s sharp-tongued aunt and Veronica’s rival. Canton’s flair for dry wit and simmering resentment makes Lynne a scene-stealer.
Lynne’s vendetta against Veronica adds familial drama, with Canton’s sharp delivery underscoring the series’ exploration of generational grudges.
With its stellar cast, haunting setting, and intricate mystery, A Remarkable Place to Die is poised to become Acorn TV’s next must-watch crime drama. Don’t miss the premiere on February 17, 2025.
