Irish actor Owen McDonnell is captivating audiences in 2024, delivering standout performances in dark, complex roles that make viewers love to hate him. The 50-year-old Irish actor has been delivering a string of chilling performances, kicking off the year with HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country” and later turning up the heat as Ian Reilly in Season 2 of Apple TV+’s “Bad Sisters.” Whether it’s as a murderous researcher or a manipulative scam artist, McDonnell’s knack for embodying complex, terrible characters is undeniably captivating.
From Arctic Researcher to Calculated Killer in “True Detective: Night Country”
McDonnell’s dark streak began with his pivotal role in “True Detective: Night Country,” where he played Raymond Clark, a scientist at the Tsalal Arctic Research Center. The show’s icy, isolated setting served as the backdrop for a haunting sequence of events. In a particularly gut-wrenching twist, Clark witnesses his colleagues brutally stabbing his Native American girlfriend, Annie Kowtok, after she uncovers the center’s sinister secrets. To make matters worse, he delivers the final blow himself, smothering her in what he believes to be an act of mercy.
“He ends up killing the woman he loves, in his mind, through mercy,” McDonnell explains. “But then he becomes complicit in the coverup.” It’s a role that showcases McDonnell’s ability to navigate the moral gray areas of his characters, leaving viewers questioning what they’d do in his shoes.
Ian Reilly: The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing of “Bad Sisters”
Fast forward to “Bad Sisters,” where McDonnell’s Ian Reilly is the picture of perfection—at least at first glance. Introduced as the loving new husband to Grace Garvey (Anne-Marie Duff), Ian slides seamlessly into the chaotic but close-knit Garvey family. The Emmy-nominated dark comedy takes a sinister turn when Ian’s true nature is revealed, culminating in the jaw-dropping Episode 7 titled “How to Pick a Prick.”
Here’s the kicker: Ian Reilly isn’t even Ian Reilly. He’s actually Cormac Sweeney, a disgraced and abusive ex-cop who preys on vulnerable people by infiltrating bereavement groups. Grace’s mysterious death in a car accident unravels his web of lies and exposes his real motives—to exploit and blackmail the Garvey sisters. “Ian is actually more despicable than John Paul,” McDonnell says, referencing the abusive husband from Season 1. “John Paul never hid his prick-ishness, whereas Ian is one of those master manipulators who has no empathy. He can gauge what’s missing in people’s lives and fill in those gaps.”
A Villain You Love to Hate
Ian’s downward spiral reaches its climax in a chaotic scene where the Garvey sisters attempt to dispose of him after a tense confrontation. Following an attack by their nosy neighbor Angelica (played by Fiona Shaw), Ian is knocked unconscious and dumped in a car trunk, destined for the sea. But in true thriller fashion, he regains consciousness just in time to tumble off a cliff and onto a rocky ledge.
“I spent three hours basically chained to a rock with the Irish sea smashing around me while the girls did their scenes up on the cliff top,” McDonnell recalls. Despite the frigid conditions, he found a sense of peace. “I was wearing thermals with a dry suit, and there was this lovely sense of calm down on that rock at 4 a.m.”
Even after surviving the ordeal and making it to a hospital, Ian’s secrets are too dangerous for him to expose the Garveys. He’s forced to repay the money he scammed and stay silent to protect his own guilty past. McDonnell admits he initially thought Ian would meet his demise. “Before we started filming, I had the impression that Ian would end up dead at the end. But later, the producers told me, ‘Oh no, actually, you’re going to survive and get your comeuppance at the hospital.’ I was delighted. Maybe Ian will come back and terrorize the sisters again.”
What’s Next for Owen McDonnell?
As “Bad Sisters” wraps its second season with a finale aptly titled “Cliffhanger,” McDonnell’s character might not stick around for a potential Season 3, but the actor is soaking in the buzz around the hit show. The cast and crew share updates in a massive WhatsApp group, posting behind-the-scenes photos and reactions from fans. It’s a close-knit camaraderie that mirrors the on-screen dynamics of the Garvey sisters.
While McDonnell is savoring the success of his back-to-back hits, he’s also keeping an eye on his next move. “I’m waiting until after the holidays to finalize my next acting job,” he says. Given his knack for playing morally complex characters, there’s little doubt he’ll land another role that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Why We’re Talking About Owen McDonnell
There’s something magnetic about an actor who can make you despise his characters while appreciating the talent behind the performance. McDonnell’s ability to embody such detestable figures and add layers of humanity—however flawed—is what sets him apart. Whether it’s the icy horror of “True Detective” or the dark comedy of “Bad Sisters,” McDonnell has proven he’s a force to be reckoned with in 2024.
So, what’s the verdict? McDonnell might be playing some of TV’s most terrible men, but his performances are anything but. They’re chilling, complex, and downright unforgettable. With his career on a high and audiences clamoring for more, 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for Owen McDonnell. Here’s hoping we’ll see even more of his riveting performances in the future.
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