Is The Gloaming actually supernatural or just a mystery?

It plays in the 'twilight world' between the two. While it's grounded in a police investigation, it uses supernatural imagery and occult themes to create a haunting, ambiguous atmosphere that keeps you questioning what's real.

How violent does it get?

The opening crime scene is quite graphic, showing the aftermath of a brutal murder. While it isn't an action-packed gore-fest, the deaths are treated with a heavy, unsettling realism.

Is it okay for a 14-year-old who likes mysteries?

Probably not. Between the slow pacing, the ritualistic violence, and the mature themes of trauma, it's really designed for an adult audience. Most 14-year-olds would find it either too disturbing or simply too slow.

The Gloaming – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Gloaming

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

42%

WISE Score

6.4

TMDB

Tasmanian Gothic meets Scandi-noir in a slow-burn mystery that prioritizes foggy atmosphere over actually solving things quickly.

6.4

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The Gloaming

show

2020

42%

WISE Score

6.4

TMDB

Tasmanian Gothic meets Scandi-noir in a slow-burn mystery that prioritizes foggy atmosphere over actually solving things quickly.

6.4

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6.4

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Screenwise Verdict

The Gloaming is basically what happens when you take a standard crime drama and drown it in Tasmanian fog and ghost stories. It’s moody, it’s dark, and it’s very, very slow. While the supernatural hook is interesting, the show often gets bogged down in its own atmosphere, leaving the actual plot to move at a snail's pace.

For parents, this is strictly 'after the kids are in bed' viewing. It’s not that it’s the most offensive thing on TV, but between the brutal crime scenes and the heavy themes of trauma, there’s nothing here for a younger audience. If you love a good Scandi-noir and don't mind a bit of ambiguity, it’s a decent weekend binge. Otherwise, it might just feel like watching paint dry in a cold climate.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults and older teens who have a high tolerance for dark, slow-moving crime dramas. It's too graphic for kids and likely too slow for younger teens who aren't already fans of the genre.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a heavy crime drama centered on brutal murder and deep-seated trauma. It is not designed to be wholesome; it's a dark, atmospheric exploration of grief and secrets.

Imaginative

The 'Tasmanian Gothic' aesthetic and the supernatural undercurrents provide a unique flavor that separates it from standard city-based procedurals.

Safe

Contains graphic crime scenes, ritualistic elements, and intense themes of past tragedy. It is strictly adult-oriented content with significant trigger potential for violence and occult imagery.

Enriching

Offers some value in its atmospheric storytelling and exploration of how past events haunt the present, but it functions primarily as a genre thriller rather than a tool for growth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Tasmanian Gothic vibes are the real star here; the landscape is haunting and beautiful in a way most US procedurals can't touch.
It leans into a supernatural undercurrent that makes it feel slightly more adventurous than your standard detective tropes.
Fans of The Kettering Incident will recognize the eerie atmospheric notes from creator Victoria Madden.

⚠

What to Watch For

The opening murder is graphic and unsettling, immediately signaling that this is not family-friendly viewing.
There are occult and ritualistic overtones throughout the investigation that might be disturbing for some viewers.
The pacing is glacial; the show relies heavily on 'mood' and characters staring into the distance, which can feel boring if you want a fast-paced thriller.

Conversation Starters

"How does the environment of a story change the way you feel about the mystery?"
"Why do you think some crime stories use supernatural elements instead of just sticking to the facts?"
"Do you think the 'slow burn' style makes a mystery more or less satisfying in the end?"

Deep Dive

The Tasmanian Gothic Aesthetic

There’s a specific subgenre called Tasmanian Gothic, and The Gloaming is a textbook example. It uses the isolated, rugged landscape of the island to create a sense of dread that feels older than the characters themselves. Creator Victoria Madden knows this territory well, and if you’re looking for a show where the setting is a character, this is it.

Atmosphere vs. Action

The biggest hurdle for most viewers is the pacing. This isn't a high-octane procedural. It’s a series that wants you to feel the dampness of the air and the weight of the past. Some critics have pointed out that the script can feel a bit thin, relying on visual tropes rather than tight dialogue. However, for fans of 'vibe-heavy' shows like Twin Peaks or Top of the Lake, the slow burn is exactly the point.

Content Considerations

Because it deals with a brutal murder and a shared tragic past, expect a lot of heavy emotional lifting. There’s a persistent sense of unease. While it’s not a jump-scare horror show, the ritualistic nature of the crime and the eerie visuals make it feel closer to a ghost story than a police procedural. If you're watching this with an older teen, it's a good entry point into discussing how environment influences storytelling, but for anyone younger, it's likely both too scary and too boring.

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