Prepare for a chilling journey into the darkest corners of human nature with The Crow Girl, a gripping psychological crime thriller based on the internationally acclaimed novel. The series follows DCI Jeanette Kilburn (Eve Myles), a tenacious and intuitive detective whose latest case—the brutal murder of young men—leads her to form an unlikely alliance with Dr. Sophia Craven (Katherine Kelly), an eminent psychotherapist with a controversial approach to criminal psychology. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of historic abuse, corruption, and long-buried secrets that stretches back decades, implicating powerful figures and threatening to consume them both.

Set against the rain-slicked streets of London, The Crow Girl is more than a murder mystery; it’s a profound exploration of trauma, justice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Jeanette’s dogged determination and Sophia’s unorthodox methods make them a formidable duo, but their pursuit of the truth forces them to confront their own demons and risk everything—their careers, their sanity, and their lives. With its complex characters, masterful pacing, and unflinching look at societal shadows, this series promises to be a standout in the crime drama genre.

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Meet the Cast of The Crow Girl

1: Eve Myles as DCI Jeanette Kilburn

Eve Myles delivers a powerhouse performance as DCI Jeanette Kilburn, a detective whose sharp instincts and relentless drive are matched only by her deep empathy for the victims. Myles embodies Jeanette as a woman balancing the immense pressures of the job with a personal life that is increasingly strained by the darkness she confronts daily. Her portrayal captures both the toughness required to lead a murder investigation and the vulnerability that comes with facing unimaginable evil.

Myles’s chemistry with Katherine Kelly is electric, creating a duo whose contrasting methods—Jeanette’s procedural rigor and Sophia’s psychological insight—fuel the narrative tension. Jeanette’s journey is one of moral complexity, as the case forces her to question institutions she once trusted and allies she thought she knew. Myles ensures that Jeanette is not just a cop but a fully realized woman fighting for justice in a world that often seems determined to hide it.

2: Katherine Kelly as Dr. Sophia Craven

Katherine Kelly is mesmerizing as Dr. Sophia Craven, a psychotherapist whose brilliant, unconventional mind makes her both an asset and a liability to the investigation. Kelly brings a captivating intensity to the role, portraying Sophia as a woman unafraid to delve into the abyss to understand the killer’s motives. Her methods challenge Jeanette and the entire police force, pushing them to look beyond evidence and into the fractured human psyche.

Kelly’s performance is layered with intelligence and mystery, hinting at a past that shapes her understanding of trauma and violence. Her dynamic with Eve Myles is the series’ backbone, a partnership built on mutual respect but fraught with ideological clashes. Sophia’s quest for truth often borders on obsession, and Kelly masterfully portrays the fine line between dedication and self-destruction, making her character as compelling as she is enigmatic.

3: Dougray Scott as DI Lou Stanley

Dougray Scott brings gravitas and complexity to DI Lou Stanley, Jeanette’s seasoned but weary second-in-command. Scott portrays Lou as a detective grounded in traditional methods, often skeptical of Sophia’s psychological approaches but loyal to Jeanette. His experience and steady presence provide a crucial counterbalance to the investigation’s high-stakes tension, though his own past may hold clues to the case.

Scott’s performance adds depth to the police procedural elements, highlighting the challenges of navigating bureaucracy and politics while pursuing justice. Lou’s unwavering support for Jeanette, even when her methods risk their careers, underscores the theme of loyalty in the face of institutional resistance. He is the reliable anchor in a storm of uncertainty, whose own moral compass is tested as the investigation deepens.

4: Elliot Edusah as Mike Dilliston

Elliot Edusah shines as Mike Dilliston, a sharp and ambitious young detective eager to prove himself on Jeanette’s team. Edusah brings energy and nuance to the role, portraying Mike as a quick learner whose tech-savvy skills and fresh perspective often provide breakthroughs in the case. His dedication to the job is evident, but he must navigate the complexities of working under a commanding officer as intense as Jeanette.

Edusah’s performance highlights the generational and methodological shifts within modern policing. Mike’s interactions with the senior detectives reveal his growth from a rookie to an indispensable team member, and his character’s idealism is tempered by the grim realities of the investigation. He represents the future of the force, unafraid to challenge old ways in pursuit of justice.

5: Clara Rugaard as Victoria

Clara Rugaard delivers a haunting performance as Victoria, a key figure linked to the case whose traumatic past holds vital clues to the killer’s identity. Rugaard embodies Victoria with a fragile strength, portraying a woman surviving in the shadows of a world that has exploited her. Her interactions with Jeanette and Sophia are charged with tension, as she oscillates between fear and a desperate need for closure.

Rugaard’s ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety makes Victoria a heartbreaking and pivotal character. Her journey is one of survival and resilience, and her testimony becomes the key to unlocking the decades-old conspiracy at the heart of the murders. Rugaard ensures that Victoria is never merely a victim but a fighter whose courage drives the investigation forward.

6: Raphael Sowole as Alex Kilburn

Raphael Sowole portrays Alex Kilburn, Jeanette’s husband, whose support is tested by the all-consuming nature of her work. Sowole brings warmth and stability to the role, depicting a man who loves his wife but struggles with the emotional toll her job takes on their family. His presence grounds Jeanette, offering glimpses of the normal life she fights to protect but often cannot fully inhabit.

Sowole’s performance adds a rich emotional layer to Jeanette’s character, highlighting the personal sacrifices demanded by her dedication to justice. Their scenes together are tender and fraught, illustrating the balance between duty and love. Alex is the anchor in Jeanette’s storm, and Sowole makes their relationship a poignant subplot amidst the darkness.

7: Victoria Hamilton as Superintendent Verity Pound

Victoria Hamilton is commanding as Superintendent Verity Pound, Jeanette’s superior whose focus on political expediency often clashes with Jeanette’s relentless pursuit of the truth. Hamilton brings a steely, calculating presence to the role, portraying a leader more concerned with protecting the force’s reputation than uncovering uncomfortable secrets. Her directives create constant obstacles for Jeanette and Sophia.

Hamilton’s performance embodies institutional resistance, making Superintendent Pound a formidable antagonist within the system. Her interactions with Jeanette are tense and layered with unspoken power dynamics, reflecting the broader themes of corruption and cover-up. Pound represents the establishment that Jeanette must defy to achieve justice.

8: Isabella Astbury as Young Victoria

Isabella Astbury appears as Young Victoria in flashbacks that unravel the history of abuse central to the case. Astbury delivers a courageous performance, capturing the innocence and terror of a child trapped in a nightmare. Her scenes are heart-wrenching and essential to understanding the depth of the trauma driving the present-day narrative.

Astbury’s portrayal ensures that the past is not just a plot device but an emotional core of the story. Her vulnerability contrasts starkly with the brutality of her circumstances, making the audience invested in the quest for justice. Through her, the series explores the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma with sensitivity and power.

9: Roger Jean Nsengiyumva as Amar

Roger Jean Nsengiyumva joins the cast as Amar, a social worker whose records and testimonies become crucial to Jeanette and Sophia’s investigation. Nsengiyumva brings a calm, empathetic energy to the role, portraying a dedicated professional caught between his duty to protect vulnerable individuals and the legal constraints that hinder his ability to help.

Nsengiyumva’s performance highlights the often-overlooked role of social services in criminal investigations. Amar’s commitment to his clients mirrors Jeanette’s dedication to justice, and his character becomes an important ally in piecing together the victims’ histories. He represents the bridge between the worlds of law enforcement and social care.

10: Michael Lumsden as Ben Burkeman

Michael Lumsden portrays Ben Burkeman, a wealthy and influential figure with possible connections to the case. Lumsden brings a charming yet sinister presence to the role, creating a character whose respectable facade masks a dark and predatory nature. His interactions with the investigation team are polite but fraught with underlying menace.

Lumsden’s performance adds a layer of high-stakes tension, as Jeanette and Sophia must navigate the power and privilege that protect Burkeman from scrutiny. He embodies the theme of entitlement and corruption, making him a compelling and loathsome antagonist whose downfall becomes a central goal of the investigation.

11: Karen Ascoe as Mary Burkeman

Karen Ascoe appears as Mary Burkeman, Ben’s wife, whose silent suffering and knowledge of her husband’s secrets make her a pivotal yet trapped figure. Ascoe delivers a nuanced performance, portraying a woman entangled in a gilded cage, torn between loyalty and morality. Her poised exterior barely conceals a turmoil that could explode at any moment.

Ascoe’s Mary is a tragic character, representing the collateral damage of a corrupt system. Her potential to become a whistleblower adds suspense to the narrative, and her interactions with Sophia and Jeanette are charged with unspoken truths. She is a symbol of the quiet complicity that allows evil to thrive.

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Why The Crow Girl Is a Must-Watch

• Deep Psychological Insight: The series delves into the minds of both victims and perpetrators with unparalleled depth.

• Stellar Cast: Led by Eve Myles and Katherine Kelly, the performances are uniformly exceptional and emotionally resonant.

• Complex Narrative: A tightly woven plot that balances personal drama with procedural excellence.

• Social Relevance: Explores themes of abuse, power, and justice with unflinching honesty.

Join the Investigation

The Crow Girl premieres September 8, 2025, exclusively on Acorn TV. Uncover the truth where others fear to look.