When you think of the compelling crime drama Hinterland (Y Gwyll in Welsh), certain elements immediately come to mind. The atmospheric and breathtaking Welsh landscapes of Ceredigion, the ever-present suspense, and undeniably, the striking red coat worn by DI Mared Rhys, portrayed by the talented actress Mali Harries. This iconic outerwear has become as synonymous with the series as the brooding mysteries it unravels. This often leads fans to wonder about the actress herself and even if there are connections to other individuals in the entertainment industry, such as the name Alex Harries. So, Is Alex Harries Related To Mali Harries? While that question might linger for some, let’s delve into the captivating story directly from Mali Harries about the origins and significance of Mared Rhys’ unforgettable red coat, straight from the source at alexlampert.com.
The Genesis of the Red Coat: A Collaborative Vision
The story of the red coat is far from accidental; it was a carefully considered choice born from the collaborative vision of the Hinterland production team. As Mali Harries explains, the initial idea came from Marc Evans, the director of the very first episode back in 2013. He envisioned a parka jacket for her character, DI Mared Rhys.
This initial concept was then refined and enhanced by Hubert Tachanovski, the director of photography for the first series. Hubert had a specific requirement: the coat needed to be a bright color. Filming in the vast and often muted tones of the Ceredigion countryside – dominated by greens, greys, and browns – meant Mared needed to be visually distinct. The bright red would ensure she remained easily spottable even in wide, sweeping landscape shots.
Ffion Elinor, Hinterland‘s costume designer, further contributed to the coat’s design by adding a touch of faux fur. This detail added both a stylistic element and a layer of practicality. For Mali Harries herself, functionality was paramount. Filming in Wales meant facing unpredictable and often harsh weather conditions. She needed something that could withstand snow, hail, wind, and rain, keeping her warm and protected throughout long shooting days.
The final red coat that Ffion Elinor sourced masterfully combined all these requirements and creative inputs. It was a parka, it was strikingly red, it featured fur trim, and crucially, it was designed to be exceptionally warm and weather-resistant.
More Than Just a Coat: The Red Parka’s Growing Fanbase
The red coat quickly transcended its functional purpose to become a character in its own right. Fans of Hinterland became enamored with it, frequently inquiring about its origins on social media platforms like Twitter. As Mali Harries notes, many viewers were keen to know where the coat was from. It turns out the iconic garment is of Italian make, praised by the actress for its quality and durability.
Mali Harries even affectionately refers to the red coat as “she,” attributing to it qualities of beauty, strength, weather resistance, and brilliance. This personification speaks to the coat’s significant presence in the series and its impact on viewers. Interestingly, despite its popularity, the red coat doesn’t have its own dedicated Twitter account, something Mali Harries finds surprising.
The coat’s iconic status was further highlighted in an episode where Mared Rhys wore a cream-colored version. This deviation from the signature red was met with mixed reactions from fans, with some feeling it wasn’t quite “right.” This response underscored how deeply ingrained the red coat had become in the audience’s perception of the character. In many ways, the red coat functions as Mared’s uniform, instantly recognizable and symbolic.
The Red Coat as Mared Rhys’s Uniform and Symbolism
For Mali Harries, the red coat embodies a sense of readiness and resilience for Mared Rhys. It’s as if the coat itself declares, “I’m ready for anything, bring it on. Rain, wind, hail, snow.” This symbolic interpretation aligns perfectly with the demanding and often harsh environment of Ceredigion, where Hinterland is filmed, and the challenging nature of Mared’s work as a detective. The weather in the filming location is notoriously unpredictable, mirroring the unpredictable nature of crime itself.
The idea of the coat as a character in its own right isn’t lost on Mali Harries. She jokingly suggests it could have its own adventures and even be auctioned off for charity at the end of the series, further cementing its beloved status.
Mali Harries Beyond the Red Coat
While the red coat is undeniably linked to her character, Mali Harries herself has a slightly different perspective on wearing such a distinctive item in her personal life. She humorously admits she would “steer clear” of wearing a big red parka in the future, feeling it would compromise her anonymity. Often going without makeup and wearing her hair tied back in her everyday life, she believes a similar coat would make her too easily recognizable.
However, her appreciation for the coat’s quality is evident. She reveals she has purchased other coats from the same Italian company, praising their excellent craftsmanship. This speaks to a practical mindset, valuing well-made and durable clothing, regardless of whether they are as attention-grabbing as Mared Rhys’s famous red parka. And while fans might continue to ponder connections like “is Alex Harries related to Mali Harries?”, the true connection lies in Mali Harries’ brilliant portrayal of DI Mared Rhys and the unforgettable red coat that has become a cultural icon thanks to Hinterland.
In conclusion, the red coat in Hinterland is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a symbol of the series, a character in itself, and a testament to the collaborative creativity of the production team. It’s a story told directly by Mali Harries, the actress who brought DI Mared Rhys to life, and who, for many viewers, is inextricably linked to that iconic red coat.
