Ep 5. Coquilles

Coquilles is the fifth episode of the first season of Hannibal. The episode delves into the psychology of the killer-of-the-week, a man who is murdering families and staging the victims' bodies in tableaus reminiscent of the works of Edward Gein.

As FBI profiler Will Graham (played by Hugh Dancy) investigates the case, he becomes increasingly disturbed by his own descent into the killer's mind. Meanwhile, Hannibal Lecter (played by Mads Mikkelsen) continues to manipulate those around him, including Will, in ways that are both subtle and unsettling.

The episode is one of Hannibal's most visually striking, with director Guillermo Navarro using light and shadow to create a moody, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The murders themselves are gruesome, but the show manages to find a kind of twisted beauty in them, presenting them as works of macabre art.

As always, the performances in Coquilles are top-notch. Dancy continues to impress as the troubled Will, while Mikkelsen's subtle, nuanced portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is nothing short of mesmerizing. The guest cast of the episode is also excellent, with guest star Lara Jean Chorostecki giving a particularly chilling turn as a woman with a strange connection to the killer.

Overall, Coquilles is a standout episode of Hannibal's first season. With its striking visuals, complex psychology, and truly unsettling murders, it's a perfect encapsulation of everything that makes the show unique and unforgettable.