Restless

Restless is an enticing two-part TV drama that aired on BBC One in December 2012. It was adapted from the eponymous 2006 novel by William Boyd. Directed by Edward Hall, it has a star-studded cast that includes Hayley Atwell, Rufus Sewell, Michelle Dockery, Michael Gambon, and Charlotte Rampling, lending remarkable depth to this gripping espionage story.

The plot of Restless is set against the backdrop of the uncertain and tumultuous times of the Second World War, revolving around the life of a British spy. It involves a dual timeline that oscillates between the late 1930s and early 1940s and the 1970s. It is an unsettling and thrilling narrative that unravels secrets, deceptions, and the chilling reality of espionage through the lens of a mother-daughter relationship.

The show introduces us to Sally Gilmartin, played brilliantly by Charlotte Rampling, a peaceful and seemingly ordinary elderly lady living in the idyllic English countryside. However, Sally is not the person she claims to be. Hidden beneath her serene exterior is a past as a British spy. Sally's real name is Eva Delectorskaya, and she was a frontline spy for the British secret service during World War II.

Restless begins with Sally revealing her covert past to her daughter, Ruth, portrayed by the immensely talented Michelle Dockery (of Downton Abbey fame). Ruth, a single mother and PhD candidate, initially dismisses her mother's confession as fanciful delusions but gradually begins to realize the truth. As Ruth dives deeper into her mother's past, she discovers a world filled with deceit, deceptions, and danger.

Ruth learns that her mother, Eva, was recruited as a spy and trained by Lucas Romer, played by the charismatic Rufus Sewell. Eva's assignment was to infiltrate American and British media to sway their governments’ position towards entering the war to help the USSR. The intensive and dangerous job involved complex operations, undercover missions, betrayal, loyalties, and identities – blended into a compelling story of love, danger, and the costs of espionage.

The narrative oscillates between the past and present, revealing the story of Eva’s life as a spy, her betrayal, her escape, and her transformation into Sally Gilmartin. This narrative device is masterfully handled, keeping the audience intensely engaged and glued to their screens as the plot thickens.

One of the show's most significant highlights is its portrayal of a female protagonist as a frontline spy. Hayley Atwell, with her powerful performance as the young Eva, showcases the psychological and physical challenges women faced when they ventured into this traditionally male-dominated arena. The story doesn’t shy away from showcasing the moral dilemmas and sacrifices made at the personal front, adding layers to the narrative.

The chemistry between all the actors is palpable and adds depth to intricate relationships. The elderly Sally fearing her past has come back to haunt her, the pragmatic and intellectual Ruth stepping out of her comfort zone to protect her mother, and the charismatic yet enigmatic Lucas are all meticulously developed characters brought to life by their respective actors.

Visually, Restless is rich and atmospheric. The cinematography beautifully captures the contrast between the tranquil English countryside and cosmopolitan locations in Europe and USA, adding to the overall aesthetic of the series. Coupled with a gripping plot full of intrigue and suspense, Restless does well at maintaining a dramatic tension throughout its duration.

In summary, Restless is a compelling, suspenseful TV drama that takes viewers into the lesser-known world of female spies in World War II. It is a riveting watch for those interested in historical drama, spy thrillers, and narratives dealing with complex womanhood facets. It's a versatile piece of television drama - a multi-layered narrative with an accomplished cast, full of intrigue and suspense, but also rich with emotional depth and featuring strong, interesting female characters.