Watch The City & The City

The City & The City is a television drama series that premiered on ITV in 2018. The show is a noir-style detective drama based on the novel of the same name by China Miéville. The show is set in a fictional city, Besźel, which is located somewhere in Eastern Europe, and follows the story of Inspector Tyador Borlú who is tasked with investigating a murder that spans across two different cities.

The City & The City is a unique show that blends crime drama with speculative fiction. The show explores the idea of a city divided by an invisible boundary called "The Breach". The Breach separates Besźel from its twin city Ul Qoma, two cities that share the same space but have vastly different cultures, traditions, and languages. The citizens of Besźel are not allowed to acknowledge the existence of Ul Qoma and vice versa. This is known as "unseeing". This concept is intriguing as it is not only a physical division but also a psychological and cultural one.

As Borlú investigates the murder of a woman found dead in a park, he begins to unravel a web of mystery and intrigue that leads him into the heart of Ul Qoma. Along the way, he encounters a host of interesting characters, including a shadowy organization known as Breach, which polices both cities and enforces the rules that keep them separate. Borlú's investigation leads him to question the very nature of reality, as he uncovers dark secrets that threaten to tear the fragile balance of the two cities apart.

One of the strengths of The City & The City is its world-building. The show's creators have done an excellent job in crafting a vivid and believable world that feels both familiar and strange at the same time. Besźel and Ul Qoma are realized with a keen sense of detail, from the architecture to the fashion to the customs of each city. Each location feels wholly unique and immersive.

The cast of The City & The City is also strong. David Morrissey, best known for his role in The Walking Dead, is excellent as Tyador Borlú, the tough but compassionate detective at the show's center. Morrissey brings a gravitas and credibility to the role that makes it easy to invest in his journey. The supporting cast is also strong, especially Mandeep Dhillon, who plays Borlú's partner Constable Lizbyet Corwi, and Maria Schrader, who plays the enigmatic but dangerous Breach agent Major Syedr.

Another strong point of the show is its visual style. The City & The City is shot with a muted color palette that adds to the sense of unease and tension in the story. The show's cinematography is atmospheric, with many scenes shot at night or in low lighting, adding to the sense of ambiguity and disorientation that pervades the show.

However, the show's unique premise may not be to everyone's taste. The show's exploration of the psychological and cultural divisions between Besźel and Ul Qoma may seem esoteric to some viewers. The show also requires a bit of patience and engagement from its audience, as the plot can be complex and convoluted at times.

Overall, The City & The City is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that blends genre elements in an interesting and unique way. The show's strong world-building, excellent cast, and atmospheric visuals make it a compelling watch for fans of crime drama and speculative fiction alike.

The City & The City is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 6, 2018 and on ITV