10 Movies & Shows Similar to Long Bright River (2025)

Description: Nearly identical to 'Long Bright River' in premise - a female detective investigates crimes in her hometown while dealing with personal trauma. Both feature working-class settings, family drama, and explorations of community dynamics.

Fact: Kate Winslet used a perfect Delaware County accent. The whodunit mystery kept cast guessing until the end. Evan Peters improvised many of his character's humorous lines.

Description: Shares 'Long Bright River's' rainy, moody atmosphere and focus on a female detective's obsessive pursuit of truth. Both examine how crimes ripple through communities and feature complex mother-daughter relationships.

Fact: Originally based on a Danish series. The iconic raincoat became a character trademark. The show was canceled twice before getting a proper finale.

Description: Similar to 'Long Bright River' in its female-led investigation of dark crimes in a remote community. Both explore themes of motherhood, trauma, and the intersection of personal and professional lives.

Fact: Elisabeth Moss learned to drive stick shift for the role. Filmed in New Zealand standing in for Australia. Jane Campion's first TV project after 'The Piano'.

Description: Shares 'Long Bright River's' focus on a tough, working-class female police officer dealing with crime and family trauma. Both feature gritty realism, moral complexity, and explorations of how violence affects communities.

Fact: Sarah Lancashire did most of her own stunts. The title refers to the drug problem in the valley. Writer Sally Wainwright based it on real police experiences.

Description: Like 'Long Bright River', this explores how a crime investigation tears apart a small community. Both feature strong female leads and examine themes of grief, suspicion, and the lasting impact of violence.

Fact: David Tennant and Olivia Colman became close friends during filming. The cliffside location became a tourist attraction. The killer's identity was kept secret from most cast members.

Description: Like 'Long Bright River', this features a complex female detective hunting a serial killer while balancing personal struggles. Both explore the psychology of predator and prey in urban settings.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's character was inspired by real FBI profilers. Jamie Dornan was cast before 'Fifty Shades' fame. The series was shot in chronological order for authenticity.

Description: Like 'Long Bright River', this features a dark, atmospheric crime story with deep character studies. Both explore the psychological toll of investigations and feature flawed protagonists navigating complex moral landscapes.

Fact: Each season has a completely new cast and story. Matthew McConaughey's monologues were largely improvised. The series was inspired by weird fiction authors like Robert Chambers.

Description: Shares 'Long Bright River's' gritty realism and examination of systemic issues within law enforcement. Both explore how crime affects communities and individuals, with a focus on procedural details and moral ambiguity.

Fact: Originally developed by James Gandolfini. Riz Ahmed lost 15 pounds for his prison scenes. The cat in the series was adopted by one of the crew members.

Description: Similar to 'Long Bright River' in its exploration of a troubled female protagonist investigating a crime while grappling with personal demons. Both delve into themes of family trauma, addiction, and small-town secrets. The atmospheric, slow-burn storytelling and psychological depth are key parallels.

Fact: Based on Gillian Flynn's novel, who also wrote 'Gone Girl'. Amy Adams learned to play the piano for her role. The series features haunting flashbacks that blur reality and memory.

Description: Shares 'Long Bright River's' blend of crime procedural and psychological horror elements. Both feature investigations that challenge rational explanations and explore supernatural-tinged mysteries in ordinary settings.

Fact: Based on Stephen King's novel. Jason Bateman directed the first two episodes. The series combines crime drama with folk horror elements.