Life After Life (2022)

Watchseries; More interesting than run-of-the-mill period drama, a sort of Groundhog Day precursor. An intriguing concept with some strong performances, particularly Sian Clifford as Sylvie.

The usual period trimmings and the cinematographic style are excellent. In contrast, the lazy overuse of narration, acceptable in novels, breaks immersion and diminishes the onscreen experience.

Episode one sets up well, however it remains to be seen if this is doomed to be dreary and repetitive or breaks free as creative television.

Edit: As the story progresses, it becomes stale and laborious - the lazy get-out-of-jail-free card removes all sense of jeopardy making it dull and uninteresting.

More interesting than run-of-the-mill period drama, a sort of Groundhog Day precursor. An intriguing concept with some strong performances, particularly Sian Clifford as Sylvie.

The usual period trimmings and the cinematographic style are excellent. In contrast, the lazy overuse of narration, acceptable in novels, breaks immersion and diminishes the onscreen experience.

Episode one sets up well, however it remains to be seen if this is doomed to be dreary and repetitive or breaks free as creative television.

Edit: As the story progresses, it becomes stale and laborious - the lazy get-out-of-jail-free card removes all sense of jeopardy making it dull and uninteresting.

Life After Life watchseries. Was unsure about this at first as it sounded a little odd, but I was soon totally hooked. The key notion is one of "what if" - what would our life be like if, at key moments, we made a different choice? It makes a very thought provoking story.

But for me, the story is only one aspect. Its based in a period where life was simpler. Although this is shattered by the backdrop of conflict, and with current world events, seems very relevant.

The cinematography is terrific, with certain "devices" signifying key moments in the episodes. The actors are all very well cast, and their acting excellent. Particularly Thomasin McKenzie who plays Ursula, the main character.

My only grumble, is why was it tucked away on BBC2? There is so much rubbish currently on the UK's premier channel - BBC1, why did it not displace some of this?

Anyway, well worth a watch...

Book adaptations work with straight forward stories and Life After Life is a complex book.

A big country house - yes Starts before WW1 - yes

That criteria was enough for the BBC to think they had the next Downton Abbey - How wrong they were. They obviously hadn't read the book (and they didn't read the script).

Like most BBC dramas the production values are very good but the script was awful. There were incidents but no story development to start with and as for character development, nothing.

The two scenes that bookend the first episode are meant to be teasers, but they meant nothing unless you know the book.

As for the narrator, it is never a good idea to have a voice-over in a drama that tries to explain what is happening. That reflects the poor quality of the writing.

Yet another job for the people with friends in the BBC. When are the beeb going to use some new writers and maybe even make a quality contemporary drama?

My recommendation - read the book.

PS Don't believe the stooges (insiders) who claim this is brilliant - it's not.

Life After Life on BBC2 is undoubtedly the best adaptation/drama series I've seen on tv for a very long time. Superb acting by the entire cast & wonderful production values. Binge watched the entire series on iPlayer & worth the licence fee alone just for a drama like this!!

When I saw Kate Atkinson's outstanding novel 'Life After Life' was being adapted, I was quietly hopeful, but also nervous as the book seems 'unadaptable'.

However, one episode in and I quickly realised this is a faithful, captivating and engaging adaption of the novel. First of all the casting is incredible. I especially loved the casting of Sylvie & Hugh, Ursula's parents. Ursula herself is beautifully portrayed by various actresses.

Although the story has a repetitive element, each 'life' had its own special moments to keep you engaged. Set against the backdrop of war and this becomes a unique period drama that stays with you.

10/10, couldn't fault it.

Having just binge watched all four episodes, this was rather enjoyable. Sure its a little confusing, and it seems that some of the "lives" in the book have been omitted, but inclusion may have over complicated. I did think the narration was necessary and understated.

Overall, well acted (the Ursula character particularly) , well made, needs concentrations and occasional rewind to catch up on missed plot lines.

Certainly worth watching and better than a lot of the drama series currently being put out.