By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Based on an original story by Yves Eugene Hensel, Loch Dorcha is an atmospheric and genuinely gripping Audible Original that blends psychological thriller with folk-horror in a way that feels both entertaining and emotionally grounded. Set in a remote Scottish community, the story follows a young woman returning to her father’s home, only to find that the past, personal and communal, is far from settled. Long-buried secrets begin to surface, and what starts as a homecoming slowly unfolds into something darker and far more unsettling.
At the heart of the production is Daisy Ridley, who leads as the main narrator. We experience the story largely through her character’s perspective, and Ridley gives a beautifully controlled performance. Nuanced, thoughtful, and emotionally precise without ever feeling overstated. As the story progresses, particularly in the middle and later chapters, we begin to hear from other characters, and this shift in perspective adds real depth. Phyllis Logan, Mark Bonnar and Michael Abubakar all bring their roles vividly to life, giving the story a richer emotional texture and helping to widen the world beyond the central viewpoint.
One of the real strengths of the production is its authenticity. The accents and pronunciations feel entirely natural. There’s something especially satisfying about hearing words like “loch” pronounced correctly, as it’s so often mishandled outside of Scottish productions. Here, when it’s spoken, it sounds authentic, and if a character pronounces it differently, it feels intentional, reflecting who they are. These small, subtle details might seem minor, but they add enormously to the credibility of the world and show the care taken in the storytelling.
Loch Dorcha explores generational trauma, how inherited fear, silence and unresolved history can echo through families and communities, while weaving in thriller pacing and folk-horror elements. The supernatural aspects never feel excessive; instead, they deepen the emotional stakes. There are plenty of twists and turns, but they’re well judged rather than gratuitous. The pacing is strong, with moments of tension and revelation landing at just the right points to drive the narrative forward and keep the listener fully engaged.
This English-language adaptation feels like it will introduce Hensel’s story to a much wider audience, and deservedly so. It retains a strong sense of place and cultural specificity while remaining accessible and compelling throughout.
The editing is slick, the transitions are smooth, and the use of background score is particularly effective, enhancing key moments without overpowering them. The sound design supports the atmosphere beautifully and demonstrates just how immersive audio storytelling can be when handled with care.
Loch Dorcha weaves psychological suspense and folk-horror to examine generational trauma in an isolated Scottish community, anchored by a commanding performance from Daisy Ridley and a strong supporting cast. The result is a tense, unsettling and absorbing listen from start to finish.
X-Geeks 