Black Narcissus

I cannot help but compare this with the 1947 movie of the same name. This may not be fair but I cannot separate the two. In a lot of ways, this remake is a lot more coherent than the original. At least I found it easier to follow which may be a detriment. Easier turns into simpler and overall, flatter than the original. It misses opportunities to be weird, ambiguous, humorous that the 1947 version did not. My advice, watch the original...obviously. If for no other reason than to see a large man bouncing on a small burro up and down the Himalayas. Then compare it to the simple horse in 2020/ Just one example of greatness vs average.

Characters lacked depth as did the script and the plot. It resembled a mediocre episode of Death in Paradise, painfully and laboriously stretched out across three tedious hours. Repetitious, predictable and irritating. Given the continual windy conditions one would have also thought Mr Dean might have found time in his busy schedule of getting on and off his horse to fix some bolts on the shutters and a balustrade around the bell tower!

Black Narcissus is a story of ghosts, wind, faith, frustration, sexual tension and madness. The story has touches of gothic horror with nuns unraveling against a mountainous backdrop. The production values , period costumes and also by the maddening wind, which fills the sound design of the musical score it is extremely effective in this FX miniseries event remake of the classic 1947 film of the same name.

The underrated Gemma Arterton steps into the shoes of Deborah Kerr to play the role of Sister Clodagh, and she made the character her own. Arterton is a very talented actress. She conveys one individual's inner conflicts within an organized religious group; and the suggestion that all the nun's had lives before they became nuns and not all of them are suited to "The Life". She adds depth and tension with her struggle with lust and temptation, regret, devotion, and cultural differences.Her acting superb.

As the deranged Sister Ruth (Aisling Franciosi) is fabulous in her role, falling victim to various desires and insecurities in ways that are heartbreaking.

The performances by Gemma Arterton and Aisling Franciosi sister Ruth (who starts to unravel from pretty much the minute she gets to the Himalayas) are superlative, their facial expressions revealing deep heartfelt emotion and pain.

Black Narcissus FX mini series event was well done. This is satisfying melodrama and wonderful television . Bravo. FX/BBC .

I thoroughly enjoyed this three part series, a dark, intense series, packed with tensions, undertones, and a ghostly gothic vibe.

Anyone watching this expecting an action packed drama, perhaps has never read the book, that was never the direction of the original text, instead you get an intense character driven story of repression, passion and jealousy.

Gemma Arterton is the true standout, her performance is excellent throughout, Rosie Cavaliero, Aisling Franciosi and Gina McKee are very good also.

It looks sublime, bright vibrant colours contrasted against the simplicity of the nuns, vast, breathtaking landscapes, it's a visual feast.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, a nice end to 2020, 8/10.

Don't be fooled by the bad reviews! Black Narcissus is a great series that deals with complicated issues, such as inner conflicts and forbidden feelings. The photography and costumes are truly exceptional. The quality of the acting is top notch.