The Virtues

The Virtues is a captivating and compelling British drama series that debuted on ITV in 2019. It’s a deeply affecting examination of overwhelming despair and measured redemption in life. The intricate layers of authenticity make The Virtues a hard-hitting experience that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

The series features one central character, Joseph, who is brought to life by Stephen Graham. Known for his robust performances in films like 'This is England', Graham once again embraces a challenging role with unmatched finesse, delivering a riveting performance that forms the backbone of the series. Joseph is a character struggling with alcoholism, his life in disarray following the departure of his wife and young son for Australia. The pain this causes provokes a return to his past and a journey to confront old traumas. The Virtues ensures the spotlight remains on Joseph’s saga throughout its four-episode run; a saga which is a combination of solace-seeking, a haunting past, and a convoluted personal struggle spanning across countries.

Surrounded by ghosts from his past, Joseph’s journey serves as a catalyst for the drama to unfold. His life back home in Ireland becomes central to the narrative as the series progresses. Here, the audience is introduced to other characters who are nursing their pain, haunting memories, and emotional torment in different ways. Sister-in-law and her erring husband welcome him with open arms, but a certain tension is always felt among them. The series is less about the events unfolding and more about what the events provoke in the characters and how they grapple with them in their individual ways. They daydream, they sulk in their respective corners, they feel, they react, they break, and they put themselves back together, only to break again.

The Virtues is backed by stunning performances. Stephen Graham is joined by a brilliant supporting cast, including Helen Behan as his tortured sister-in-law, and Frank Laverty as her complicated husband. Each member of the ensemble manages to stand firm, leaving an indelible mark. Niamh Algar's character, Dinah, particularly stands out in the cast. She is a troubled runaway cutting off ties from her family after a shameful event sends shockwaves through her life. Her encounter with Joseph adds a different layer to the dynamic narrative.

Director Shane Meadows, known for his raw storytelling style and intimate character studies, co-wrote The Virtues with his long-time collaborator Jack Thorne. The two have created a beautiful yet painful narrative that delves into a dark past. This miniseries is also deeply personal, as Meadows has publicly stated that it borrows from his life experiences.

Meadows and Thorne walk a tonal high-wire act, balancing gut-wrenching hurt and quiet dignity. They also find nuanced ways to depict the agonizing throes of alcoholism and the tormenting grip of memory. Despite the dismal demeanour, the show isn't without its moments of consolation, primarily through the celebration of human resilience and the transformative power of redemption that it underscores.

The production design is suitably dismal for the story with a restrained colour palette punctuated by grittiness. Further, the cinematography has been eloquent with scenic shots and the way it captures the brilliance of Ireland, which helps to contrast the gaunt, monotonous life of the main character. The haunting original score by PJ Harvey amplifies the emotional drama of the series.

In all, The Virtues is a tour-de-force of emotion, a memorable piece of television that stands apart in the landscape of British drama. It is a harrowing journey that you feel in your chest, the sparseness of the narrative illuminated by the rich depth of character and theme. The show takes an unflinchingly honest look at what it means to grapple with personal demons, but also, ultimately, what it means to want to turn those demons into angels.

The Virtues is a potent mix of redemption and despair, love and loss, that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll. Haunted, heartfelt, and unexpectedly hopeful, it is a series that no fan of hard-hitting drama should miss. It is a testament to the power of storytelling, of character, of pain, of redemption – the virtues that define us and that we strive for, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.