Ruth Wilson on the Surreal Brilliance of Twin Peaks

Ruth Wilson has carved out a reputation as one of television’s most compelling talents, yet even she credits a particular series for opening her eyes to what the small screen could truly achieve. The boundaries between film and television have blurred considerably in recent years, with many acclaimed actors and directors now gravitating towards ambitious TV projects. These platforms often allow for richer, more intricate storytelling than mainstream cinema, and Wilson’s own career reflects this shift.

While she has delivered memorable performances in films such as Saving Mr Banks and See How They Run, it is her television work that has truly defined her. Her nuanced portrayal in the BBC’s adaptation of Jane Eyre brought fresh depth to the classic, while her role in Luther saw her embody a complex femme fatale opposite Idris Elba’s detective. In The Affair, she explored the psychological intricacies of romance in a way rarely seen on screen.

Discovering a Television Landmark

Despite her own influence on the medium, Wilson remains in awe of the series that, in her view, sparked a revolution in television storytelling. In a conversation with Rotten Tomatoes, she revealed her enduring affection for David Lynch’s Twin Peaks.

“I watched that as a kid, and I just thought it was so weird and wonderful and scary,”

she recalled.

“I just didn’t get it, but I loved the music. It was so, sort of, haunting.”

Her candid admission that the show initially baffled her is hardly surprising. When Twin Peaks first aired, it confounded many viewers with its refusal to follow the standard crime drama formula. Instead, it introduced a serialised mystery that grew more layered and enigmatic each week—a structure that would later influence series from Lost to Severance.

The Haunting Allure of Lynch’s Vision

Wilson’s description of the show as “haunting” hints at her appreciation for the deeper intentions behind Lynch’s work. While countless analyses have tried to unravel its narrative mysteries, the series often resonated most when delving into psychological horror, trauma, and the uncanny. Lynch’s approach created a liminal world where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blurred, leaving a lasting impression on those who watched.

Although network restrictions in the early 1990s limited how much explicit content could be shown, Lynch still managed to slip in moments of genuine horror. The second season’s finale, ‘Beyond Life and Death’, remains infamous for its shocking imagery and unresolved cliffhanger. Many of the show’s darker themes, only hinted at in the original run, were explored more openly in the prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, which Lynch directed after the series ended.

A Lasting Legacy

Lynch’s recent passing means Wilson never had the opportunity to collaborate with him, a fact she surely regrets. Nevertheless, she continues to be drawn to projects that echo the spirit of his work. Her current role in the Apple TV+ mystery Down Cemetery Road has been hailed as a spiritual successor to Twin Peaks, thanks to its sprawling ensemble and dreamlike atmosphere.