Camille necking the voddy

character is ‘a troubled newspaper reporter sent back to her home town to cover the story of a suspected child killer’.

Given that Camille still seemed to be wearing the previous night’s clothes when she was awakened by a phone call from her office, the ‘troubled’ bit was obvious from early on.

The fact that she was drinking vodka by the neck was also a bit of a giveaway, even if it was only a small bottle. (Incidentally, I’m not sure that’s the sort of product placement that the top brass

at Absolut will be pleased about.) When asked about her home town, Camille told her editor there were two social strata in Wind Gap, ‘trash’ and ‘old money’. Which was she? ‘Trash,’ she replied. ‘From old money.’

Hmmm, family issues as well then. Hardly surprising really, given that her wealthy and unpleasant mother Adora (Patricia Clarkson) greeted Camille’s return with something less than enthusiasm. And when I say something less than enthusiasm,

I mean something that came close to open hostility.

Nor do our anti-heroine’s woes end there. As well as existing on a diet that seems to consist of nothing more than nicotine and hard liquor, it turns out she has a history of self-harm as well.

Granted, not a huge amount happened in the opening instalment of Sharp Objects. But it was moody, atmospheric and boasted a terrific performance by Adams. I just won’t be putting Wind Gap on my list if must-do holiday destinations.