Gold Digger

Gold Digger is an intriguing drama televised on the BBC in 2019, which is now also available on BBC’s iPlayer. Exquisitely written by Marnie Dickens, this intrepid show masterfully walks the tightrope between a romance and a psychological thriller, vacillating between the two genres and thus maintaining a riveting suspense throughout its six episodes.

The narrative centres on Julia Day (played by Julia Ormond), a wealthy 60-year-old divorcee who has spent her whole life prioritising others, especially her three adult children. Julia is experiencing a significant mid-life crisis, accentuated by her looming empty nest syndrome and the absence of a loving relationship. The story takes a surprising turn when Julia meets Benjamin Green (played by Ben Barnes), a captivating yet mysterious man in his early 30s, at the British Museum. Despite the evident age difference and disapproval from Julia’s family, the two characters navigate an unexpected romance, igniting the core tension of the series.

The beauty of Gold Digger lies not just in the enticing romance between Julia and Benjamin or the gripping mystery surrounding Benjamin's past, but in its gently unflinching exploration of themes like age, wealth, love, and the strength of family ties. It demands the viewers to constantly question their perceptions about the social stigmas associated with age-disparity in relationships and also the assumptions we assert on people based on their economic status. The show possesses a subtle intensity that grows with each new revelation and raises more questions than answers, creating a constant sense of intrigue.

The casting in Gold Digger is commendable. Julia Ormond as Julia Day captures the essence of a woman yearning for love and acceptance, while grappling with societal expectations. Her nuanced performance of a well-off woman experiencing loneliness with grace and vulnerability stands out. Similarly, Ben Barnes shines as the beguiling Benjamin Green, offering a compelling performance that leaves viewers constantly guessing about his motives.

Supporting this duo is a host of well-fleshed out characters. With Julia's three children - Patrick (Sebastian Armesto), Della (Jemima Rooper), and Leo (Archie Renaux) all having their own complexities and weaknesses, each relationship within the family also comes under scrutiny, adding more layers to the drama. Other brilliant performances are offered by actors like Nikki Amuka-Bird, playing Julia's best friend Marsha, and Alex Jennings as Ted, Julia's ex-husband.

Setting the scene is the wildly majestic backdrop of Devon’s rugged coastline, capturing the raw beauty and the mystique of the sea in all its glory, imparting a dreamy, melancholic feel to the narrative, while the contrast of London’s bustling city life is well portrayed. These contrasting settings create a meaningful symbolic reference to the concurrent narratives unfolding in the series.

Though understated, Gold Digger will make you step back and re-evaluate your assumptions about relationships and wealth. It is a show that thrives on creating a suspense-filled air of mystery while exploring the depths of complex relationships.

Character-driven drama is at the heart of this series, with each episode diving a layer deeper into the lives of its people, exposing their frailties and strengths. This intelligent storytelling combined with stellar performances from the ensemble cast makes Gold Digger a must-watch for fans of psychological dramas and relationship narratives.

In conclusion, Gold Digger is a thought-provoking, suspenseful, and romantic exploration of age, money, and trust. It is about self-realisation, family dynamics, and the complexity of human relationships. Underneath the palpable thriller elements, it's also a story of a woman rediscovering her individuality, desires, and dreams after years of self-sacrifice. It is one of those shows that etches vividly in the viewer's mind due to its strong narrative, perceptive character study, and oh-so-human storytelling. It prompts the viewers to question their inherent biases while becoming deeply invested in its characters and their convoluted lives.