Indira Varma Stars in 'What Remains': The BBC Thriller You Can't Miss

The BBC's Best Kept Secret: Indira Varma in 'What Remains'

If you think you've seen every British crime drama worth watching, think again. According to the detailed breakdown in Screenshot (550).png, What Remains is the four-part detective series that has been quietly lurking in the shadows, waiting for its moment to captivate audiences. And with a cast led by the formidable Indira Varma, it's a must-watch for anyone craving a slow-burn, character-driven mystery.

The series originally aired in 2013, but its reputation has only grown. With a solid 7.4 rating on IMDb, What Remains delivers that rare combination of psychological depth and procedural grit. The Telegraph called its ending a 'thumper'—a payoff so satisfying it makes the deliberate pacing entirely worthwhile. The Guardian didn't hold back either, describing the show as 'convincingly grim' and placing it alongside heavyweights like Southcliffe and The Fall.

The Plot: A Body in the Attic, A Detective Obsessed

The story kicks off with a chilling discovery. A young couple moving into a new flat in South London finds the decomposed body of Melissa Young—a woman who had been dead for two years, unnoticed by anyone. Enter DI Len Harper, played by David Threlfall, a detective on the brink of retirement who refuses to let the case go. He becomes obsessed with uncovering what happened to Melissa and why her neighbours never reported her missing.

The residents of 8 Coulthard Street are a gallery of suspects. There's Michael Jenson (Russell Tovey) and his pregnant girlfriend Vidya Khan (Amber Rose Revah), a journalist and his son, a mysterious older man, a reclusive woman, all hiding secrets. And then there's Peggy and Elaine—the latter played brilliantly by Indira Varma. The BBC describes Elaine as a woman who 'speaks her mind and always gets what she wants' but whose world starts to crumble after the body is found. She never liked Melissa, and as the investigation deepens, a darker secret emerges.

As per Screenshot (550).png, the official synopsis makes it clear: 'When the decomposed body of Melissa Young is found by a couple in their new flat, Detective Len Harper is determined to discover what happened to her and why nobody noticed she was missing.' That single question drives the entire series, pulling viewers into a web of lies, class tensions, and hidden lives.

The Stellar Cast: From 'Shameless' to 'Game of Thrones'

Indira Varma as Elaine

Indira Varma is no stranger to playing complex, powerful women. From her unforgettable turn as Ellaria Sand in Game of Thrones to her more recent role in Obi-Wan Kenobi, Varma brings an electric intensity to every performance. In What Remains, she embodies Elaine, a successful businesswoman who is used to being in control—but the discovery of the body threatens to unravel everything. Varma's portrayal is layered, blending charm with menace, and it's a standout in an already strong ensemble.

Russell Tovey as Michael Jenson

Russell Tovey, known for Years and Years and Being Human, plays the young man who stumbles upon the body. His character and his pregnant partner Vidya become the catalysts for the investigation. Tovey brings his signature vulnerability, making the audience feel the horror of their discovery.

David Threlfall as DI Len Harper

David Threlfall—famous for his iconic role as Frank Gallagher in Shameless—trades in the hard-drinking patriarch for a dogged detective. His Len Harper is a man running out of time, but his obsession with the case is both his strength and his weakness.

The Rest of the Ensemble

• Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer) plays the deceased Melissa Young, brought to life through haunting flashbacks.
• Steven Mackintosh (Luther) plays Kieron Moss, a journalist living in the building with his partner Patricia (Claudie Blakley).
• Victoria Hamilton (The Crown, Doctor Foster) plays Peggy Scott, Elaine's partner who is harbouring her own secrets.
• David Bamber (The Serpent) is Joe Sellers, a maths teacher, and Denise Gough (Too Close) is Liz Fletcher, a younger woman living with him.
• Alex Arnold (Skins) rounds out the cast as Adam, a teenager in the building.

Why You Should Watch Now

What Remains is a masterclass in slow-burn storytelling. Each episode runs about an hour, and the four-part structure allows the tension to build naturally. The show doesn't rely on cheap twists; instead, it immerses you in the claustrophobic world of Coulthard Street, where every resident has something to hide. The critics were right—the ending is a brutal, satisfying punch.

For fans of Indira Varma, this is a chance to see her in a role that predates her biggest mainstream hits, yet shows the same fierce talent. For anyone who loves psychological thrillers with a strong emotional core, What Remains is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your watchlist.

As the source text from Screenshot (550).png confirms, this is a 'thrilling police drama you don't want to miss.' So clear your evening, dim the lights, and let the slow burn consume you.

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