Reviews

I absolutely hated the novel on first reading and thought all the characters were pretty unlikeable - entitled and selfish - just using each other. However, when I watched the adaptation I was hooked - the great casting meant the characters became more relatable and human - they were flawed individuals who actually cared about each other. It made sense. Moreover, the wonderful soundtrack, great cinematography and editing meant that everything came together - enhancing each other. Congratulations to Alison Oliver (amazing talent), Joe Alwyn (he nailed the impossible balance between Nick's seemingly passive character and the emotional untertones and connection he makes with Frances), Sasha Lane, Jemima Kirke (she needs to be in more British programmes and films), Tommy Tiernan (that last scene in the cafe with Frances kills me), Justine Mitchell... I went back to the novel - it's still deeply flawed as a first novel but there are moments that completely floor me, so raw and emotional. I realise lots of people found the pace too slow or the episodes stretched out - it was perfect for me. As you can see, I take book adaptations to heart - congrats to the whole team involved.

I don't know why I didn't watch this adaptation in 2019. I knew it was happening because I walk in Black Park where they filmed several scenes (very strange walking past snow on a boiling hot summer's day). I really enjoyed it. I think the wonderful Stephen Graham is actually miscast as Marley. Far too nice. I know he's supposed to be a shyster but he comes across too mild. Guy Pearce is a terrific Scrooge who has met his match with both Andy Serkis' Ghost of Xmas past and Vinette Robinson's Mrs Cratchit. I think Joe Alwyn is a great Bob Cratchit and has warmth and shows humanity in this role - believable chemistry between the characters. And of course Lenny Rush is a superb Tiny Tim. The characters are definitely more than the usual Dickens' caricatures. Yes, it's dark and not your usual adaptation - if you want warm and fuzzy go see the Jack Thorne's theatrical Christmas Carol at The Old Vic. This was engaging and different.

I really enjoyed watching the series - excellent casting - Johnny Flynn and Roisin Gallagher (and Jenn Murray's Gemma made me laugh out loud through her mannerisms ) and there's great chemistry between the two leads. Not the usual boy meets girl storyline which involves attempted suicide, abortion, Christianity and sectarian politics all set in Belfast. Definitely give it a go. I would like to see a second series from Sky - I hope they don't do that Netflix thing of not following through - which is so irritating. Carry on the with he story development - it's an interesting premise, and as I said before the leads are great.

I found this atmospheric film moving - beautiful performances from Eanna Hardwicke, Daniela Galligan and Lorcan Cranitch. It really conveyed the sense of community that can't be found elsewhere - and how those that leave miss it but they don't fully belong anymore, and those that stay can feel lost and isolated when they lose their place or sense of identity within that community. The relationship explored between Cian and his father, Diarmuid, is nuanced and beautiful. Congrats to all involved in the production - the cinematography, sound design and music is especially good. I look forward to seeing Eanna Hardwicke and Danielle Galligan in their next films.