‘Underrated’ Dublin drama with ‘mesmerising’ twists is now streaming on Netflix
A 'brilliant' new Dublin-based drama featuring 'captivating twists and turns' has arrived on streaming platforms - and television enthusiasts say viewers will be 'gripped'.Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale originally premiered on AMC+ in 2024, but audiences can now watch the series on Netflix. The crime drama, starring Elaine Cassidy, Hazel Doupe and Stephanie Levi-John, is adapted from the 2020 novel Sanctuary: A Novel of Suspense, Witchcraft, and Small Town Secrets by V. V. James.Although Sanctuary depicts a fictional small English town, filming actually took place in Dublin and County Wicklow. Establishing shots also feature Lynton, a picturesque coastal resort situated in North Devon, England, reports the Irish Mirror.Netflix's synopsis states: "When a local rugby player dies in a quaint English town, his mother accuses his ex-girlfriend - but something far more unsettling lies behind his death."Despite receiving mixed critical reception, the supernatural series has been praised by viewers online as an 'excellent' watch, with its second season launching on AMC+ just before Christmas.READ MORE: Netflix adds early Paul Mescal thriller that had fans 'gripped' and is 'truly excellent'READ MORE: House of Guinness star lands major role in Game of Thrones spin-offOne viewer posted on Rotten Tomatoes: "Loved Sanctuary from the beginning to the end! There were some very despicable characters in this show which made it very interesting. I loved the witchcraft and Sarah Fenn the witch! Highly recommended!"Another confessed: "I expected a cozy autumn feeling going into it and got a thriller, and yet loved it a lot!" A third viewer remarked: "As a big fan of Discovery of witches, I'd say this too tickled my fancy. Very good plot, acting and characters, can't wait for season 2."That said, not all viewers were won over, with one IMDb reviewer branding the programme "senseless meandering drivel".Another grumbled: "It is ok. Actually barely ok. There are moments where the behavior of people and most events don't make any sense and you will laugh out loud and maybe shout at the screen."Despite this, the show also garnered numerous enthusiastic reviews on IMDb, with one admirer declaring: "This is a very worthwhile surprise bit of episodic adventure. The first episode left me skeptical, but after the second I was hooked."After episode four I was obsessed and left begging to see the rest. Unfortunately at this moment I have yet to see five, but at the moment I am champing at the bit waiting for the golden moment to arrive. Put this on the must watch list for all you who like suspense and a well crafted evolutionary plot."Another viewer concurred: "Superb drama with witchcraft. One of those pieces, where first episodes are bland and won't catch, but if you make it past that, you will be hooked and suddenly wait for more."Another viewer gave it a perfect score, stating: "Excellent Show! I can't wait to watch the next season [...] What a splendid show it is, and I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the 2nd season. This series is replete with mesmerizing plot twists and turns, and characters are truly remarkable in their ability to evoke genuine emotions through their impeccable acting."Critics have also weighed in, with The Hollywood Reporter commenting: "Sanctuary packs in enough twists to keep its seven hour-long episodes moving along at a brisk clip, but its more fantastical elements are deployed sparingly."On the other hand, Paste Magazine contended: "Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale is lacking on almost all fronts. Despite an enthralling performance from De Bhrún, who bridges the gap between good and evil whilst playing Abigail, there is almost nothing to grasp on to."Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale is available to stream now on Netflix. Episodes can also be purchased on Prime Video.**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**
