Requiem review: this Woman In Black style spook-fest spins plenty of mystery

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Stay away from the mirrors!

BBC One chiller Requiem may only offer hints of its deadly phantom in tonight's opening episode. But barely-glimpsed reflections of the ghostly presence - and their consequences - clearly show this entity is not to be taken lightly.

What's less clear from the first hour of the six-part series is whether Requiem itself will grow into a horror heavyweight, or fizzle out as a mere paranormal pretender.

Fortunately, part one musters enough intrigue and surprises to suggest it's worth sticking around to find out.

A haunted community

After an ominous opening puts us in no doubt that supernatural elements are at work, we are introduced to Matilda (Ripper Street's Lydia Wilson), a star cellist whose talents have led to sell-out concerts and the prospect of a move to New York.

But a shocking tragedy - and subsequent discovery - prompts Matilda to investigate the 20 year old case of a missing child. From there, things only get murkier.

There are early efforts to give this classical musician some edge (she smokes! she has one night stands!) but ultimately Matilda, despite the good work of Wilson, is not the most magnetic of protagonists.

What really makes Requiem work is the relatively intriguing story.

Joanna Scanlan co-stars in the supernatural drama (Photo: BBC)