BBC drama leaves viewers 'destroyed' as they watch all 5 episodes at once
A gripping new BBC drama is leaving viewers absolutely stunned, with countless fans confessing they've devoured all five episodes in one go.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North, adapted from Richard Flanagan's Booker Prize-winning novel, has emerged as an unexpected sensation since landing on BBC iPlayer, with audiences hailing it as one of the most heart-wrenching and memorable programmes of the year.
Featuring Saltburn's Jacob Elordi and Belfast's Ciarán Hinds portraying younger and older incarnations of Australian surgeon Dorrigo Evans, the programme sweeps across generations - from a forbidden romance before the conflict, through the harsh realities of Japanese captivity, to the enduring consequences of psychological wounds.
The five-episode series hasn't merely won over critics - securing a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes - it's absolutely devastated audiences.
One viewer commented on Google's review platform: "Watched all 5 episodes in one evening. Very good series. War and love. Great acting, lovely soundtrack and a glimpse into the pain and suffering of WW2 and letting go of the love of your life.", reports the Express.
Another said: "An outstanding series. Not an easy watch, but well worth it."
The emotional impact has been overwhelming, with numerous viewers revealing the series reduced them to tears.
One admirer shared: "This series just destroyed me. I still cannot think about it without crying. Every moment, and every character, were compelling... A beautiful show. Highly recommend."
Another added: "There was a lot of human connection in this series and a very horrific scene and some sadness. This movie was interesting throughout and was very well paced. It didn't lose my attention at any point."
Narrated through flashbacks, the tale focuses on Dorrigo Evans, who becomes an unwilling war hero following his survival of unthinkable terrors in a Japanese labour camp in Burma.
However, it's the romance he abandoned - a clandestine affair with his uncle's spouse, Amy - that torments him most profoundly.
Odessa Young (Manodrome) portrays Amy, alongside Olivia DeJonge (Elvis) as Dorrigo's spouse Ella, and Simon Baker (The Mentalist) as his mate Keith.
Elordi and Young have received acclaim for their on-screen rapport, whilst Hinds delivers emotional gravitas to the elder Dorrigo, still tormented by his past.
Elordi disclosed to the BBC how physically demanding the shoot proved, particularly during the prisoner-of-war sequences: "We carried a real tree up the side of a cliff for I don't know how many hours. It was like being in a massive theatre production that was constantly playing."
Hinds revealed the novel had captivated him instantly. "It was extraordinary. It was harrowing, heartbreaking, a kind of epic storytelling."
Audiences have also commended the series for tackling the grimmer truths of warfare.
One Google reviewer described it as "terrifying and moving to the soul," whilst numerous others lauded its cinematography, soundtrack, and emotional resonance.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North is presently available to stream in its entirety on BBC iPlayer.
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