Us

Us, which originally aired on BBC One in 2020, is a delightful, poignant, and bittersweet four-part drama that naturally blends elements of humor and pathos to explore the universal themes of love, loss, and family. Adapted from the critically acclaimed novel by David Nicholls, the series couples his notably witty dialogue with stunning visuals and powerful performances from its leading cast members to deliver a deeply affecting narrative about the complexities of relationships and the struggles inherent in maintaining them.

At the show’s center is the middle-aged couple Douglas and Connie Petersen, brilliantly portrayed by Tom Hollander and Saskia Reeves. Douglas is a meticulous biochemist, a creature of habit whose world is meticulously bound by structure and predictability, whereas Connie is an outgoing, creative, and free-spirited artist who revels in life’s uncertainties. The differences in their personalities, and the resulting clashes, form the bedrock of the narrative, exploring how these differences have frayed the edges of their twenty-five years of marriage.

The story is set into motion by Connie's unexpected declaration that she thinks their marriage has run its course, just days before they embark on an elaborate grand tour of Europe which they had extensively planned for as a last family vacation with their recalcitrant and mercurial teenager son, Albie (played by Tom Taylor).

Douglas makes it his mission to win her back during the trip, a mission that involves a few forced attempts at spontaneity, and a lot of reflecting on what went wrong despite their shared history together.

Us cleverly uses the backdrop of the European tour to showcase Douglas' often amusing attempts at reigniting their relationship and connecting with his distance-keeping son. Each city's distinctive ambiance is used as a backdrop to different stages of their journey, mirroring the characters' emotions and personal growth. Also, symbolic sequences highlight Douglas’ internal struggle and the awkward, heartbreaking and funny incidents that they encounter along the way seems to reflect the myriad of human emotions inherent in any long-span relationship.

Additionally, interspersed with the Petersens' present journey are a series of flashbacks which help to construct a richer understanding of the couple’s past. It gives crucial insight into how the charming and passionate young couple's relationship has devolved into a stale and dispassionate situation over the years, a reality that has propelled the couple, particularly Connie, to consider if they are indeed right for each other.

Gina Bramhill and Iain De Caestecker play the younger versions of Connie and Douglas, and they deliver earnest performances that portray the immunized optimism of their early days together and the slow, creeping disillusionment that quietly embedded itself over the years.

Hollander and Reeves excel in their roles, showcasing a dynamic and believable chemistry that braids frustration, affection and regret. Reeves expertly encapsulates Connie's internal conflict and subdued frustrations, while Hollander perfectly captures Douglas’ desperation and determination to save their marriage and his failure to comprehend where things went wrong. Tom Taylor also offers a commendable performance as Albie, their son caught between his parent's tension and his own journey of self-discovery and budding independence.

While Us is, at its heart, a relationship and family drama, it also delves into various other subjects. As the couple traverses through numerous different European cities, the series subtly explores themes of art, culture, history, and even the impacts of Brexit on the younger generation, adding an interesting layer to the narrative and giving audiences some food for thought.

Overall, Us from BBC One is a gripping, often heartbreaking exploration of love, relationships, and the challenges of long-term commitment. It’s a show that is likely to resonate with audience members who are navigating their relationships and those who enjoy well-acted, nuanced drama filled with wit and wisdom. It walks the fine line between comedy and tragedy, offering a delicate and sensitive portrayal of a marriage on the brink of collapse and a family trying to stay intact. Thus, Us is a series that is big on charm, emotion, and honesty, earmarking it as a must-watch for fans of this genre.