David Suchet’s 90s detective show with Line of Duty star sparks comparisons to Hitchcock

If you’re a fan of classic crime capers, you may want to check out the lesser-known TV film “Cruel Train” from 1996. Starring David Suchet, best known for his role as Poirot, this movie takes a different turn as he plays Ruben Roberts, a deputy railway station master caught up in a dark tale of revenge and murder.

In the film, Ruben discovers the dark truth about his wife, Selina, played by Saskia Reeves, and sets out on a journey to seek justice on the Brighton Express. Based on Emile Zola’s novel “La Bête humaine,” this wartime drama is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

“Cruel Train” may not be readily available on BBC iPlayer, but you can still catch it on Apple TV+. Alongside David Suchet and Saskia Reeves, the stellar cast includes David Belcher as Arthur Grandridge and Adrian Dunbar as Jack Dando, the witness to the heinous crime.

While the film received mixed reviews from viewers, it was a technical success, earning nominations and awards for its music and lighting. So, if you’re in the mood for a classic mystery with a stellar cast, “Cruel Train” might just be the ride you’re looking for.