'Near perfect' BBC period drama sees fans 'close to tears' as they leave rave reviews
Small Island, a cult novel adapted into a compelling BBC drama, has mesmerised viewers on iPlayer. The programme, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Ruth Wilson, holds an outstanding 7.5-star rating on IMDB.
Viewers have lauded the series as "truly one of the greatest" BBC dramas and described it as "incredible viewing." The tale crafted by Angela Levy follows Hortense (Naomi Harris), who in 1939 is an illegitimate yet clever and determined young woman being brought up in Jamaica.
Hortense matures alongside the charismatic and spirited Michael (Ashley Walters), who joins the Air Force when war erupts and heads off to England, reports the Mirror. Following the conflict, Hortense, now a qualified educator, consents to a marriage of convenience with Gilbert Joseph, funding his journey to England on the understanding that he will arrange for her to join him later.
She yearns not only to be reunited with Michael but also holds firm beliefs that existence in Britain will offer her superior opportunities.
However, upon her arrival in London in 1948, Hortense feels deeply let down by their confined single-room accommodation and the blatant racial prejudice she encounters.
Queenie, their broad-minded landlady, has endured her own disappointments, having wed the dependable yet dull and unromantic Bernard to escape her family's farm, reports the Express.
Whilst Bernard, who is now believed to be missing, was serving with the Air Force during the war, Queenie began accommodating military lodgers for companionship, including Michael, with whom she shares an intimate history.
A viewer who awarded the series top marks gushed: "Small Island is a truly incredible drama, it gives the story of the lives of a group of people from Jamaica during the second world war, the effects they have on one another, and on a group of locals."
They went on to heap praise on the programme, declaring: "It tells the journey the brave Jamaican fighters undertook, and the gut wrenching racism they had from the people they bravely fought to defend. Some scenes in the second part will have you close to tears, and some will have you chuckling away, it's an incredible balance."
The same admirer noted: "I have watched many dramas over the years, and I'd have to say this is one of the most powerful I've seen, it tells a story that's often never told, but in light of the Windrush scandal it has an even more powerful impact."
Discussing the performances, they observed: "The acting is benchmark standard, it is no surprise that awards followed, Naomie Harris is a revelation, but all concerned are sensational, too many performances to note, but David Oyelowo will near bring you to tears."
Another person penned: "This compelling two-part Masterpiece Theatre offering is another reason why people should support public television."
As a third hailed: "Small Island is a truly incredible drama, it gives the story of the lives of a group of people from Jamaica during the second world war, the effects they have on one another, and on a group of locals."
A fourth review read: "Close to perfect. A story about post WW2 Jamaican immigrants to England, about working with reality to bring dreams to life, and how sometimes it just doesn't work out. The script was wonderful, skipping between Jamaica and London, showing how different these two were. Acting from everyone 10/10. I learnt a lot into the bargain."
Small Island, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Bernard throughout two 90-minute episodes, can currently be watched on BBC iPlayer.
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