The Modern Wave of Artistic Crime Dramas
The landscape of the “cosy crime” genre is shifting. While traditional mysteries often rely on quaint settings, a new trend is emerging that blends high art with high stakes. This is exemplified by the Belgian drama This Is Not a Murder Mystery, which reimagines surrealist art as the foundation for a whodunnit.
Rather than the typical tropes of British television, this approach embraces a “European pretentiousness” that elevates the mystery. By integrating actual surrealist works and the lore of historical figures, the genre is moving toward a more sophisticated, visually-driven narrative style.
Beyond the Garden Centre: The Rise of Surrealist Mystery
Modern audiences are gravitating toward “surrealist” crime, where the murders themselves serve as artistic tributes. In This Is Not a Murder Mystery, crimes are staged as ghoulish recreations of masterpieces, such as Magritte’s The Lovers, where victims’ heads are wrapped in shrouds.
This trend replaces the standard “killer’s calling card” with a quasi-artistic signature. It transforms the crime scene into a piece of mise en scène, blending the grisly nature of a murder with the beauty of avant-garde art.
Blending Historical Truth with High-Concept Fiction
A growing trend in prestige drama is the seamless mixing of fact and fantasy. By casting real-life historical figures as central characters and suspects, creators can leverage existing lore to build depth.
For example, the series incorporates real-life details, such as the childhood trauma of René Magritte regarding his mother’s death, to provide psychological motivation for his character’s drive to solve the crimes.
The “Fact and Fantasy” Formula
The appeal lies in the juxtaposition of eccentric real-world personalities with fictional plotlines. The inclusion of figures like Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Man Ray and Lee Miller allows the narrative to play with historical quirks—such as Picasso’s preference for sparkling water or Sigmund Freud’s talkative nature at dinner.
The Aesthetic of European Cosy Crime
There is an increasing appetite for “sumptuous” period decor and international perspectives in the crime genre. The “Belgian cosy crime” aesthetic focuses on a high-gloss finish, combining 1930s luxury with an edgy, bohemian atmosphere.
This trend is further enhanced by striking casting choices and flamboyant character traits, such as Lee Miller carrying a glass revolver with hand-chiselled salt bullets. This level of detail moves the genre away from the mundane and toward a more stylized, cinematic experience.
For more on the production, you can read about director Hans Herbots’ approach via Deadline or explore the surrealist elements discussed by The Guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “cosy crime”?
It’s a subgenre of crime fiction characterized by a lack of explicit violence and a focus on a closed circle of suspects, often in a quaint or stylized setting.
Who are the main artists featured in This Is Not a Murder Mystery?
The series features René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and Man Ray, alongside photographer Lee Miller and performance artist Sheila Legge.
What is the setting of the series?
The story is set in 1936 at the estate of an English aristocrat hosting a private show of surrealist artists.
What do you think about the blend of surrealist art and crime drama? Would you prefer a traditional whodunnit or something more avant-garde? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights into the evolving world of prestige television!
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