Watch One Lane Bridge

One Lane Bridge is a mystery drama series that originally premiered in New Zealand in 2020 before being added to AMC's roster of international shows. The show follows Ariki Davis (played by Dominic Ona-Ariki), a charismatic but troubled young Maori detective who is tasked with investigating a series of bizarre and seemingly supernatural crimes that take place in and around a small town in rural New Zealand.

The show's central plot revolves around a single-lane bridge located just outside of town, which is said to be haunted by the vengeful spirit of a woman who drowned in the nearby river many years ago. Despite multiple attempts by the town's council to replace or bypass the bridge, it remains a vital part of the community's everyday life and a key location in the show's ongoing mystery.

One of the most striking features of One Lane Bridge is the show's unique blend of traditional Maori culture and modern crime drama. Throughout the series, Ariki grapples with his own identity as a Maori man who has been educated in European-style policing techniques, while also learning to navigate the complex spiritual beliefs and practices of his people. This aspect of the show helps to ground the supernatural elements of the mystery in a rich cultural context and provides a fascinating glimpse into a rarely-seen aspect of New Zealand's society.

Another standout feature of One Lane Bridge is the show's stunning cinematography and use of the New Zealand landscape. From the misty riverbanks and dense forests surrounding the town to the sweeping vistas of the nearby mountains, the show's location scouting team did an excellent job of finding visually arresting locations that help to transport the viewer into the heart of the story.

In terms of its narrative structure, One Lane Bridge is a slow-burn mystery that unfolds gradually over the course of its six-episode run. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of the investigation, with several recurring characters and subplots connecting each installment to the overall arc. While the show does have a few intense and action-packed sequences, the overall tone is one of quiet intensity, with a heavy emphasis on character development and world-building.

One factor that may be divisive among viewers is the show's use of supernatural elements within its crime drama framework. While the show never fully commits to a true supernatural explanation for the crimes and events taking place in the town, there are several moments throughout the series where the line between reality and the supernatural becomes blurred. Some viewers may find these moments cheesy or contrived, while others may appreciate the show's willingness to take risks and explore unconventional narrative territory.

Overall, One Lane Bridge is a visually stunning and thematically fascinating crime drama that should appeal to fans of slow-burn mysteries, character-driven storytelling, and unconventional genre-blending. With strong performances from its ensemble cast and a rich cultural backdrop that sets it apart from other crime dramas, it's a show that deserves to be discovered by a wider audience.

One Lane Bridge is a series that ran for 3 seasons (17 episodes) between April 20, 2020 and on AMC +