BRITISH DRAMA: “Somewhere Boy.” / “Run Away.” / “Little Disasters.”

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“Somewhere Boy” (Hulu) British drama, focuses on teenager Danny, who since his mother's fatal accident, has been isolated from the outside world by his father. When Danny realises that monsters do not exist, like his father has claimed, he questions his entire existence. 



       This a fine, sensitive series with a heart-wrenching premise (only 30 mins per episode), anchored on Lewis Gribben as the mentally challenged or confused Danny. A powerful performance yet restrained and controlled. Lisa McGrillis as Danny's aunt Sue also delivered character grip without hysterical fits. Add Samuel Bottomley as cousin Aaron. All good. Editing, scripting, sound, minimalist production values.

       Until the last two episodes when the drama is manipulated into another, uhh, check it out yourself. 🎥💻📽


“Run Away” (Netflix) British crime/drama, adapted from a novel by Harlan Coben. A father searches for his runaway daughter.



       A typical thriller from a Harlan Coben material. Suspense, intrigues, mystery--designed to keep you glued to your seat. But as in most of Mr Coben's work, the deal is muddled or confused by interjecting subplots and multiple characters. Patience and focus are obligatory viewing tools.

       But kudos to the performance of James Nesbitt as the distraught dad Simon Greene and Ruth Jones as private investigator Elena Ravenscroft. But Alfred Enoch (as DS Isaac Fagbenle) and Amy Gledhill (as DC Ruby Todd), as well as the killer couple, are cheesy. 🎥💻📽


“Little Disasters” (Netflix) family/friendship drama, based on the novel of the same name by Sarah Vaughan. Premise: An accident and emergency doctor treating an unexplained head injury on the child of one her best friends face the dilemma of whether to subsequently make a report to child social services.



       This miniseries could be a predictable drama involving quarreling friends or dysfunctional families but it isn’t. Director Eva Sigurðardóttir’s deft handling of the group skirmishes, intrigues, and judgments–from the fleshy, detailed scripting by Ruth Fowler and Amanda Duke–evades the melodramatic spill. We get an enlightening side-trip to what families, friends and neighbors usually contend with. 🎥💻📽


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