Ruth Madeley and India Amarteifio star in the BBC’s five-part psychological thriller about a forensic psychologist and her 17-year-old patient, who is convicted of murdering her mother

The BBC has an impressive track record when it comes to thrillers. From Doctor Foster to The Guest and, the broadcaster is no stranger to bringing compelling, high-stakes stories to our screens – and its latest offering has already hooked viewers.

The new five-part series, The Rapture, landed on our screens this month, and audiences have wasted no time binge-watching the show on BBC iPlayer.

Adapted from Liz Jensen’s novel of the same name, the series is set against the sweltering backdrop of a heatwave. It follows forensic psychologist Gabs Fox as she begins a new position at a high-security psychiatric hospital, where she encounters 17-year-old patient Bethany Krall, who has been convicted of murdering her mother. Bethany not only claims to be innocent but insists that she possesses psychic powers that allow her to predict the future.

Keep reading to find out what viewers and critics have said about the series.

What have viewers said about The Rapture?

It’s safe to say viewers are loving the series, with one person hailing it as “edge-of-your-seat”.

Taking to social media, one person wrote: “Finished #TheRapture and thought the entire series was incredibly captivating. The writing and performances were so compelling that they felt true, and authentic. Incredible that the book was written years ago as the story felt incredibly relevant which added to its poignancy.”

A second added: “Really enjoyed #TheRapture. Great characters and intriguing conspiracy thriller.”

What have critics said?

The critical response has been mainly positive. The Independent handed out three stars to the “twisty, turny thriller,” which it described as a “deeply silly look at climate anxiety,” while The Guardian also gave a three-star review.

Meanwhile, The Times awarded four stars and The Telegraph gave just two, saying the thriller “wastes a compelling mystery on predictable environmental politics and an increasingly cheesy plot”.

What is The Rapture about?

The “high-stakes” thriller takes place in Wales against the backdrop of a heatwave, with protestors on the streets. The story follows forensic psychologist Gabs Fox, who starts a new job at a high-security psychiatric hospital where she meets 17-year-old Bethany Krall.

The synopsis continues: “Bethany was convicted of murdering her mother but claims she is innocent. She is estranged from her father Leonard, who is the charismatic leader of an influential religious movement. Bethany tells Gabs that she has psychic powers and can predict the future – but what will it take for Gabs to believe her? And if Bethany didn’t kill her mother, then who did?”

Who stars in The Rapture?

Ruth Madeley (Doctor Who) and India Amarteifio (Queen Charlotte) star as Gabs Fox and Bethany Krall, respectively.

Other cast members include Sam Hazeldine (The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Slow Horses) as Leonard, alongside Jack Farthing (Rain Dogs, Spencer), Iwan Rheon (Those About to Die, Game of Thrones), Stephen Campbell Moore (Masters of the Air), Lisa Palfrey (Sex Education), and Siena Kelly (Domino Day).

Rounding out the cast are Naby Dakhil (House of David, Messiah), Richard Elis (The Pact, Creisis), Dean Rehman (The Kite Runner, Until I Kill You), Robert Rhodes (28 Years Later, House of the Dragon) and Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey, Stella).

The Rapture is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.