Mayflies (2022) User Reviews

Moving, powerful, original, this was excellent.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 31 December 2022]

Tully asks his long term friend Jimmy for help, a request that would test the tightest of friendships.

First of all, I would start by saying it was quite a strange scheduling choice, putting this out just after we've had the turkey and tinsel, not a criticism, just a curiosity.

You won't be able to watch this with dry eyes, this is one of the most moving things I have seen for years, it isn't what I expected, but it really is the most powerful drama.

A real story of love and friendship, early on Tully asks Jimmy a question, and the rest of the drama is spent explaining why he was in a position to ask such a huge request, what gives him the right, it's an amazing friendship.

Good drama makes takes you away, great drama makes you think about real life situations, in this case euthanasia.

Tony Curran is the only actor to make me shed a year in Doctor Who, his performances in Vincent and The Doctor was astonishing, he brings me to tears here once, what a tremendous actor, both he and Compston are awesome here, as is Jensen.

Please don't be deterred by the opening ten minutes, or the plot, this is a very moving, sometimes funny drama, that is well worth your time.

Quite wonderful, 9/10.

So important

[kelleher27 · 9/10 · 18 January 2023]

Fantastic acting and story of compassion in the face to adversity that leads to one of the major discourses that I feel we need to address in our society. Nobody understands how important it is unless they have been touched by someone who's passing could have been made so much more dignified by having a choice.

This series really touches upon the most important points and that is one of personal choice, many people are against someone having this choice on grounds of religion or lack of understanding of the suffering, but who is right to impose their opinion on others, however, currently in the UK it is the law and this is where the change needs to happen to match the more progressive societies which have already approved a change to allow dignity in dying.

I enjoyed the fact that rather than everyone getting on a plane in harmony, the internal battles of the three main characters are followed all the way to the end. I dropped one point as I think an important part of the issue is also how those that are left are affected.

The younger 80s back story was very interesting and important part of the character development and fairly well acted but the main lead was the standout for me, Tom Curren just went above and beyond for me and should be an award winning performance..

Watch it and be grateful - just wonderful!

[julymermaid · 9/10 · 12 January 2023]

I had heard of this story but didn't truly appreciate it until I saw this series. I had a lump in my throat throughout and the intensity of emotions suprised me. The acting is unbelievably good and Martin and Tony showcase their friendship and connection to each other in a subtle but powerful way. I did break down at some point and had to pause while I did ... not something I do very often... but the flashbacks into their youth equally made me smile and it was impossible to not feel connected to them and relate to the kind of friendship they had. I can only wish everyone gets to experience relationships as deep as theirs in their lifetime - make you appreciate what is important in life and inspures you to cut out the noise. Just watch it - its incredible!

Life is too short

[louisabyrne1980 · 10/10 · 29 December 2022]

This drama shows us life really is so short. The present day story was very emotional and raw however it was the flashbacks to their young lives which got me the most it shows how fragile and short life is and how we have to make the most of it. It shows how we take our friends and memories through all our life's ups and downs and how memories always stay strong in our minds. A tough watch but worth it a very strong cast and script. The decisions which need to be made are so hard for all involved and life impacting for all of them. Martin Compston is just such a wonderful versatile actor. Get the tissues ready for this one.

Heartbreaking but heartwarming

[moggie992002 · 10/10 · 29 December 2022]

There's a critic review which calls this drama "flat" but I can't help wondering if he was watching the same programme as me.

This is a beautiful, absorbing and deeply moving story. The writing is superb but is eclipsed by some of the best performances you are ever likely to see. The three central characters draw you in and make you FEEL this story, not just watch it.

The subject matter is challenging but it never felt exploitative. It doesn't so much focus upon Tully's illness as on the relationships with family (and more importantly) friends. The dialogue is natural, the emotions raw and believable and the effect upon the viewer deep and touching.

The end of the story was handled with a degree of sensitivity and love that surprised me and showed a depth of understanding from the writers and director that left a warm glow in my heart and tears coursing down my cheeks. It could easily have been done coldly, clinically and carelessly, but it was not the case.

It wasn't always easy to watch but I am so glad that I chose to do so. Clear a couple of hours, grab yourself a box of tissues and sit down to watch this - I don't think that you will regret it.

OK but not enough back story

[sarahcoleman-79272 · 6/10 · 8 January 2023]

I've not read the book, but I felt that a lot of potentially interesting detail was missing from this film. Why the poor relationship with Tully and his Dad Woodbine? Where were Jimmys family and why didn't he get on with them? What happened to Hog? How did Limbo die and where? I also found Tullys rude health throughout very distracting! Even in the last scenes he was hale and hearty, leaping about with a football. Poor Ashley Jensen, acting her socks off, but ultimately a selfish character, wanting her husband to hang on as long as possible in agony purely for her sake, plus, I found her a bit exhausting to be honest. Maybe I was in the wrong mood for this, but it didn't give me the feels I think it was aiming for.

Heartbreaking and wonderful.

[ninilees · 10/10 · 28 December 2022]

This is story telling perfection.

I think it might be the most moving drama I have ever watched.

It was so unassuming, but so perfectly executed.

I fell in love with Tony Curran's Tully immediatley. And Ashley Jensen further solidifies herself as British acting royalty. She is so good, I do not know how to describe her.

Martin Compston is reliably brilliant also.

But mostly you will just love Tully.

Mayflies is nostalgia, friendship, love, pride and death (in short, humanity) all in one sorry story that rings too true.

I cannot wait to read the book (I know I probably would have more fault to pick if Id read it first so Im glad to do it this way round.)

The ending is brilliantly sad and refreshing because it is not the norm for a TV drama.

I cannot recommend it enough, that is... if you need a good cry and to clear out the emotional cobwebs. Amazing work.

Storyline could have been more layered

[angelinamart · 6/10 · 1 April 2023]

Overall I was disappointed at the ending and lack of character development. So many questions left unanswered - Limbo's death, the group of friend's regrets over his death, why the tight knit group had fallen out over the years. There were so many opportunities to explore the relationships at a more meaningful level in the flashbacks to develop the present day characters. The 2 main women characters were over-sentimental and how did Noodle's wife have such close relationship with Tully's wife if they lived in different cities? Also some of the timeline was out. April Skies was playing in the nightclub scene and that didn't come out until the late 80's. So many close-ups and Tully didn't really look like he was even dying. The actors who made up the group of friends didn't look to be the same age. The ending was such a let down. First half of the first episode was really good but then it slowly seemed more and more over-sentimental and nostalgic. The flashbacks were well done but why weren't the group of friends central to the plot instead of just 2 of them? Where did the wives come into it. Just not a satisfying plot.

A Beautiful Tragedy...

[lewilewis1997 · 10/10 · 28 December 2022]

Still wiping the tears away, yet I want to celebrate the love, loyalty and friendship that went before. A cast that I haven't always rated in the past individually have a chemistry I've rarely seen.

I'd compare this to an Ian Banks novel, yet no one gets murdered.

Martin Compston is far from his wooden self in Line of Duty, Ashley Jensen is a force of nature, something not harnessed by Ricky Gervais in any of their colab's. His fault for always wanting to be the centre of the screen. And Tony Curran? Balls out, no holds barred as the rebel that refused to say 'Okay, that'll do'. He does it his way.

Andrew O'Hagan has written a truly beautiful thing.

Peter Mackie Burns brings it to us in a very unsentimental yet gut wrenching way. It's a celebration of what was. No regrets.

A strong seven rating

[mmiceli0924 · 7/10 · 7 January 2023]

Very excellent story. Very great acting. Very great flashbacks. Martin Compston has this teen friend/ best friend. He is dying., when he calls Compston/ Jimmy.

Jimmy is now a famous author. ( the name Jimmy as an adult bothers me, ha), but Tully, his best mate reveals his diagnosis.

It's hard not be Mr. SPOILS.

Ashley Jensen, continues her fantastic streak of acting. Compston, is so great, but sometimes, I FEEL, he is being held back by chit/chat dialougue.

The music, and the way these guys felt such a kingship is really well played. The main guy, Tully, is kind of a prig. Shout out to the younger yuys, when they were in a band, enamoring a very cool obscure band, called, " the fall"

A Tearjerking Triumph

[skksb-87112 · 10/10 · 2 January 2023]

Having never wrote a review of any film or programme before, I find myself here pouring what's left of my emotions into these few paragraphs.

Mayflies has left me in bits and emotional wreck in a way that no visual entertainment has done before. An incredibly well told story by some fabulously gifted actors.

There is absolutely nothing glamorous about Mayflies and it's all the better for it!

I do hope Mayflies gets the recognition it deserves, not only for the performances of the actors, but also for shining a light on terminal illness and the effect it has on oneself and those around you. Bring a handkerchief.

An absolutely awful BBC plodder

[jimcglass-20464 · 5/10 · 4 January 2023]

Everyone seems to love this so before your expectations go through the roof, I'd like to just say that it's absolutely pedestrian and plodding. Martin Compston is no great shakes as an actor in anything he does and he's so central that his terrible performance drags the whole edifice down.

Putting on a pair of academic spectacles does not make him come anything close to acting like an author, as that is literally all he has.

His friend Tully tells him he has cancer and has four months to live. What does he do? He stands, with poker face. There must be a mistake he says. We need a second opinion. We'll go private. What about dropping your jaw a bit, giving the guy a bloody hug or anything that suggests some inner emotional response.

Later his wife (the excellent Ashley Jensen) asks him what he made of Tully. "Good" he says. Good? Can you maybe act realistically. And tell us a bit more? What would a real person say?

What they wouldn't do is simply narrate a script.

It's the very worst of the BBC in house style. It might have worked years ago, and maybe still works with River City and Shetland fans but in an era of Netflix it's Stone Age!

Wonderful

[brandysnap · 10/10 · 30 December 2022]

Perfectly written and perfectly acted. Tony Curran is one of my favourite actors anyway and in this he again shows the skill he has of brilliantly bringing a character completely to life. The whole cast was simply sublime and the story heartbreakingly simple and true. It captures the flavour of being young and the intensity of friendship which carries on through the years. I cried and genuinely smiled. Being Scottish and of the same era it was so relatable and real but this will connect with anyone from anywhere. Get a box of tissues and watch it on your own so you can ugly cry. Captivating TV.

Stunning work...

[timothy-price-794-581328 · 10/10 · 7 January 2023]

Very rarely you come across quality like this. A two-episode story of a Man wanting - insisting - on being in control of his own end, as terminal illness takes hold. But as well as shining a light on this difficult subject, it is far more. A tale of incredible, close friendship. 5 friends, who end up on different paths, some friendships have stood the test of time differently, but the closest ones very, very special. Fully fleshed out with flashbacks, which in other dramas can be frustrating, but not here. Well Developed characters.

Superb writing, a brilliant cast, and very moving. Those involved in this, across the board, should be very, very proud.

A compassionate treatment of the most difficult of subjects

[paul2001sw-1 · 8/10 · 3 January 2023]

Death comes to us all in the end, often in a slow, painful and undiginfied manner. Some people, faced with a terminal diagnosis, prefer to check out early, which is illegal in Britain (unless it is done unaided) but is allowed in some other countries. To do so is, of course, a horrifically enormous decision. 'Mayflies' tells one such story, but, as its title suggests, it also encourages us to reflect on the briefness of life, and how we might end up facing our own deaths when our youths seem barely to have passed. It's a warm and affectionate piece, avoiding over-sentimentality (though some is necessarily in order). It does choose to give us a character the severity of whose illness is mostly hidden from us in off-camera visits to the toilet; our protagonist still presents as very much alive throughout the drama, which allows him full mental responsibility, but which also makes his choice seem somewhat premature. Not much happens that isn't obviously telegraphed from the outset; but it's an intelligent dramatisation of the realities of death and the ways we might choose to face it.

Powerful TV

[housemartin-49130 · 10/10 · 22 April 2023]

Searching for something to occupy a couple of hours viewing one night, I stumbled upon this gem. It is without doubt one of the best shows I have witnessed in a long long time. Brilliant and brave, the acting is outstanding, and whilst dealing with the end of life for a much loved mate, it has moments of glorious youth, and boyhood humour along the way. It is a must see for anybody who remembers how great TV drama once was. The interaction between two inseperable mates will leave you in tears, unless you are made of stone, Best viewed over two nights, unless you want to end up totally exhausted and out of tissues.

What a tearjerker

[Leeds1970 · 10/10 · 1 January 2023]

I watched this show because of the reviews here - ironically I discovered it while leaving a review for something else. Anyhow I went straight onto the bbc player and was not disappointed. I have to say watching it all in one hit has almost destroyed me. It felt very timely to watch at the dawn of a new year because it reminds you life should never be taken for granted. I loved the story and all the performances,it's just very moving in the best possible way. It definitely gets you thinking about your own life and what you might do in that situation. Bravo to everyone involved, I'm sure this show will clean up when it comes to the next award season and deservedly so.

A Failure with Good Intentions

[PurpleProseOfCairo · 4/10 · 6 January 2023]

I read the book as it was centred around an all day music festival in Manchester in 1986 that I attended. Wisely, the makers didn't try to replicate that huge event but rather portrayed a smaller, more orthodox gig (still unrealistic - why can't TV and movie people get rock concerts right?).

I didn't actually think it was a great book, but the TV adaptation is worse. Understandably, as with the Manchester festival, chunks are left out - we are given glimpses of the other members of the group of friends but they are allowed to disappear without being fleshed out, or even sketched.

The two male leads are straight from central casting, and Cliche Corner. The socialist firebrand (red hair and beard!) bravely but angrily fighting his cancer. Cracking wise with the nurses while his loved ones weep nearby. The (also socialist and very comfortable and smug) bespectacled academic, scorned by the firebrand for not having cleaved to his roots (did either of them change the world in any way? I didn't see any evidence).

I was reminded of the friendly admin guy in Life of Brian handing out crucifixes and directions to the men about to be executed. "Crucifixion? Good. Out of the door, line on the left, one cross each". The admin on Mayflies would have asked "Middle aged socialist? Good. Red hair or glasses?" The "intense friendship" of the group is illustrated by someone every so often saying "OK. Top three De Niro movies" or similar. You know, the movie makers idea of how we plebs interact when we're in our "pubs" or wherever we go. At least we didn't get "Who would win in a fight between Dracula and an octopus?" The story of Tully's cancer and his determination to avail of voluntary euthanasia (he's just so darn stubborn!) was interesting and raised questions, but the two dimensional characters were incapable of depicting an effective examination of these issues. Ashley Jensen is never less than good when she can prise herself away from Gervais, and Tracy Ifeachor as the girlfriend of Tully's friend Jimmy (Martin Compston) wasn't given much to do but did it well.

I don't like to slaughter it as it was a well-meaning attempt to discuss a sensitive subject, but it just didn't come off.

So, a poor TV drama from a so-so book. It could have been so much better.

Tender and heart-breaking - the road of friendship

[MarjorieHMorgan · 8/10 · 12 February 2023]

A beautiful film exploring the lifelong friendship of Tully and Jimmy, and their adult relationships.

When illness strikes, just how far will you go for your friend? A Touching and moving film that highlights the depth and resilience of male friendships throughout the years.

A wonderfully crafted story in two parts (2 x 1hr episodes on BBC iPlayer) that made me laugh, cry, and remember the music and clothes of the late 20th century.

Everyone should have a friend like Jimmy, and everyone should have the faith of Tully to ask for the hardest thing from a friend.

This is a love story, of deep friendship that has to look in the face of the end of life, and still be able to walk forward together - despite the hardship.

Brilliant and touching. It will stay in my mind for a long time.

Wow

[quietneeded · 10/10 · 2 January 2023]

Dealing with real life choices ... heartbreaking and deeply painful to watch. Be ready to cry. Acting was absolutely superb. Felt like you knew these people, from the flashbacks of their youth to them as adults. Having to make difficult choices when you don't have very many choices to make. In a simple two episode program, You learn about them in the lives, so much that you learn about them, and just a short episodes is extremely a lot. You come to see all sides of the story represented in each character. I wish it had been at least a four part series, because I feel like There should've been more to the story than just the sadness sadnesses, and the pain that they were going through.

Absolutely brilliant BBC

[josiebee-08704 · 10/10 · 4 January 2023]

I knew if I waited long enough, something brilliant would come along after all the festive rubbish and repeats we are fed year after year .....and here it is ( along with Happy Valley of course).

The acting was superb, by both the younger and older versions of the characters. Martin Compstons best role since Line of Duty. I loved it and will watch it again.

It contained all the right elements on a sensitive subject. It was moving, informative and also funny in parts. The end scene was just right.

The time slips were also very well done. And whats more, no ' Wokeness' .

Please let's have more like this.

Amazing and very moving story

[karm-05847 · 9/10 · 6 March 2023]

A wonderfully written story about true friendship between 2 Ayrshire lads. The acting was superb you could really feel the relationships and emotions between the characters. Brilliant throwbacks to the 80s which really brought out the story between the 2 main characters. I love Ashley Jensen and she didn't disappoint in this, her character was so well played. Martin Compston was great in it aswell it showed his softer side. It makes you realise that life is too short and none of us know what's round the corner and we should appreciate every minute like this great cast did. Best to watch in one go.

Incredibly moving.

[svsdyj · 10/10 · 29 January 2023]

I couldn't stop crying whilst watching this. It highlights the different points of view regarding the right to end your own life.

The heartbreak of the lives left behind but the importance of making your decision on how and when you die. The actors were great and added to the feeling on being there with them. Very well directed and whilst it was incredibly sad, it was very very well put together. The end was also brilliant without needing to show the final breaths.

Whilst this is based on a novel, the novel is based on a true story. For his family, I can only imagine your pain but your bravery in being there will always remain the most loving act.

Another "life is too short"

[samthejudgeamos · 3/10 · 9 January 2023]

But in this case, it's too short and I regret wasting two hours of my life. The acting was admittedly pretty ok and I loved the soundtrack. The plan and content was never going to be action heavy ove particularly cheerful but I believe glaciers are more interesting and move a heck of a lot faster.

I'm sure the 10/10 guys must have loved it but I found it terribly boring. I downloaded it in a panic when I was going somewhere that I wasn't sure of the capacity to stream so I stuck with it.

Those actors have all done some great stuff and I can't help but feel this isn't adding anything positive to their CVs

Do yourself a favour and scroll on.

Beautifully executed for such a controversial topic

[sophieecd · 10/10 · 30 December 2022]

I lost my grandma to a brain tumour 2.5 years ago, it is never easy for me to watch something so close to what I experienced. Whilst she decided to go through treatment and ultimately receive end of life care, it crossed my minds several times about if the treatment and her suffering was worth it. This is why I can't stop thinking about this show.

For a controversial topic like this to be portrayed, you have to have the best writing with the best actors and this had both. Tony Curran, Martin Compston and Ashley Jensen so perfectly portray this different view points in this situation.

Credit also needs to be given to the casting crew for their casting of the young Jimmy and Tully. I spent sometime trying to see if Martin and Rian were related because of how similar both their looks and mannerisms were.

Overall, a beautiful series with a poignant message.