The North Water: BBC release date, trailer, review, cast with Stephen Graham - and is it based on a book?

The five-part drama starring Colin Farrell, Jack O’Connell and Stephen Graham concludes on Friday (8 October) bringing a end to their gruesome Arctic voyage
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Arctic TV thriller, The North Water, will conclude on Friday (8 October).

The show features an all-star cast, with the likes of Colin Farrell, Jack O’Connell and Stephen Graham, all aboard the ship on its perilous journey to the North of the globe.

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Following the trials and tribulations of being onboard a whaling expedition in the 1800’s, the show is gritty, intense and pact full of mystery.

Here’s all you need to know about BBC’s The North Water, and when you can watch it.

When is The North Water on TV?

The North Water finale will air on BBC Two on Friday 8 October at 9:30pm.

If you want to binge the series, all episodes are become available on BBC iPlayer streaming service after the airing of the first episode.

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The drama has already been broadcast in the USA on AMC+, so be careful when searching the show online, as you may come across spoilers.

The crew in The North WaterThe crew in The North Water
The crew in The North Water

What is the plot of The North Water?

The North Water is an adaptation of Ian McGuire’s novel. The five-part series follows Patrick Sumner (Jack O’Connell), a disgraced ex-army surgeon whose reputation is in disarray after an incident in India.

Set in 1959, he signs up to be ship’s doctor on the Volunteer on its whaling expedition to the Arctic. On board, he has to pit his wits against both the harsh elements and the violence of the crew.

During the perilous journey, the body of a murdered cabin boy is discovered, and Patrick is forced to act. However, he must face up against Henry Drax, a brutal harpooner. Patrick soon becomes aware of the true nature of the expedition and a confrontation between the two men erupts. In the middle of the Arctic, there’s nowhere to hide…

Who’s in the cast of The North Water

Jack O’Connell in The North Water (C) See-Saw Films - Photographer: Nicolas BolducJack O’Connell in The North Water (C) See-Saw Films - Photographer: Nicolas Bolduc
Jack O’Connell in The North Water (C) See-Saw Films - Photographer: Nicolas Bolduc

Jack O’Connell - Patrick Sumner

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Jack O’Connell stars an ex-army surgeon Patrick Sumner. After leaving the military in disgrace, Sumner finds himself on the Volunteer heading for Greenland.

O’Connell can be recognised for his riles in the movies ‘71 and Unbroken, as well as the TV series Skins. He is also set to star in the upcoming BBC One drama SAS: Rogue Heroes.

Speaking about filming The North Water, O’Connell said: "It was a very harsh environment indeed, but it had to be. I don’t think any of the characters we’re playing have an easy time of it.

"So, for me it was an absolute pleasure to have that factor of the character already taken care of. Just being able to react to what we’re dealing with.

Colin Farrell in The North Water (C) See-Saw Films - Photographer: Nick WallColin Farrell in The North Water (C) See-Saw Films - Photographer: Nick Wall
Colin Farrell in The North Water (C) See-Saw Films - Photographer: Nick Wall

Colin Farrell - Henry Drax

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Colin Farrell stars as harpoonist Henry Drax. Drax is seen a savage killer on the boat, who’s barbaric behaviour goes unnoticed on the sea as well as on land.

Speaking about the role, Farewell said: "Drax has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. He does have human traits, but he’s more like an animal."

Farrell can be recognised for his starring roles in films such as Minority Report and In Bruges. He has also appeared in the second season of True Detective.

Speaking about filming The North Water, Farrell said: "We were about 500 miles from the North Pole. We spent five weeks on boats without being on dry land and we were dressed neck to ankle in layers because it was so cold. It was such an honour to be in a place that very few people see. It was incredible and life-changing. I don’t think I came back the same person."

Stephen Graham in The North Water (C) See-Saw Films - Photographer: Nick WallStephen Graham in The North Water (C) See-Saw Films - Photographer: Nick Wall
Stephen Graham in The North Water (C) See-Saw Films - Photographer: Nick Wall

Stephen Graham - Captain Brownlee

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Line of Duty star Stephen Graham plays Captain Brownlee. Brownlee is haunted by the fact he lost his last ship and crew.

Speaking about the character, Graham said: “He’s a man of integrity. He’s a whaler by trade, it’s in his blood. The character we created was that his dad was a whaler so he was always going to be a whaler. He always wanted to captain a ship and he did, and his first ship set sail and sank, so after not doing it for a while he comes back to captain The Voyager.

"I thought that the script was fantastic, the character was great. Colin’s fantastic, he’s a wonderful actor. I’ve always admired and looked up to him. And Jack O’Connell, who I’ve known from when he first started on This is England. I’ve watched his career flourish, he’s a marvellous actor."

Graham has become a prolific actor on the UK screen, appearing in TV shows like Line of Duty, Time and White House Farm. He also appeared in Martin Scorcese’s film The Irishman alongside Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

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