Suranne Jones is one of those rare actors who can project without words the lies we tell ourselves, fleeting emotions flitting across her face, until she finally selltles on a version of internal truth she can live with. Here she plays a mother who realizes, too late, that the prize she has been fighting for - her teenage sons affections, understanding and respect- cannot be won at the expense of besting his father, no matter how righteous her fight. It is a tragedy as old as Shakespeare, and not a word of dialogue or characterization feels false in this gripping, suspenseful world. Incredible acting throughout.
Really a tutorial on emotional co-dependency, the lead character, Gemma, is convinced she can outwit her way back to "normal," but has not factored in her own culpability- the years of emotional distance from her son, and her equally long period of denial regarding her deeply flawed husband. At the end if the journey, Gemma finally holds herself accountable, instead of as a victim, but at the ultimate price. A heart-rendingly accurate depiction of the emotional cost for parents who fight through their children and the lasting damage thst results. Gripping. Suspenseful and heart-wrenching.
Really a tutorial on emotional co-dependency, the lead character, Gemma, is convinced she can outwit her way back to "normal," but has not factored in her own culpability- the years of emotional distance from her son, and her equally long period of denial regarding her deeply flawed husband. At the end if the journey, Gemma finally holds herself accountable, instead of as a victim, but at the ultimate price. A heart-rendingly accurate depiction of the emotional cost for parents who fight through their children and the lasting damage thst results. Gripping. Suspenseful and heart-wrenching.