Unforgivable

I was blown away by the silence and the acting in the silence, my heart was broken for them all. Bobby Schofield is absolutely incredible. Can't wait to watch him in the future.

All the characters had important roles, they showed the heartache that abuse causes in families. Anna frail was amazing as always.

They don't make dramatists like Jimmy McGovern anymore. His latest film, 'Unforgiveable', bravely asks us to sympathise with a child abuser, in a story set in rows of terraced houses without front gardens and steeped in Catholic guilt. On one hand, it goes to obvious places, telling how terrible deeds live on in predictable ways; but McGovern deserves credit for showing that even those who do the worst things are human. However, while the message that abused people become abusers is undoubtedly true, it's also a little pat: in moving the deepest responsibility from the protagonist to his own abuser, it could be suggested that the script is merely passing the buck. Nonetheless, in what often seems like a merciless age, this is still a worthwhile, and welcome, drama to see on our television screens.

Great writing, great casting, and the acting was outstanding..a special mention to Bobby Schofield who portrayed his character superbly in what was no doubt a difficult acting task.

IMO this puts him right up there in the acting world, well done Bobby, well done to all involved.. Also a mention to Jimmy Mc and Colin Mc another cracking watch 👍

Unforgivable 2025, BBC. 1 hour 43 minutes.

The aftermath and consequences of child abuse of a young boy, and his abuser.

Its a bleak watch, but the acting and story are so believable. Bobby Schofield, plays the abuser Joe along with his sister Anna Friel playing his sister Anna,, the mother of his victim Tom who struggle with the long term damage.

It is a difficult watch, because of the subject matter and due to the sympathy and understanding of Joe's circumstances and his brutal coming to terms with what he has done and lost.

Plaudits to writer Jimmy McGovern, and actors Friel, Schofield, Anna Maxwell Martin, David Threlfall and the young actor Austin Haynes who plays Tom.

It' been likened to Adolescence for its realistic portrayal of modern life, it's good but not that good, being a one off, it's a shame you couldn't get to know the characters more

Essentially telly, well done BBC, long may you live.

8/10.

Joe Mitchell is released from a two-year prison sentence for sexually abusing his nephew. The family struggles to come to grips with his freedom; everyone is still trying to pick up the pieces.

The BBC still has the ability to deliver hard-hitting, powerful, and relevant drama. Unforgivable is unapologetic in dealing with such a serious topic - at times it's upsetting, and the dialogue and impact on Tom are quite harrowing.

It's a story that challenges the notion of things being simply black or white. You think you have all the answers, judge and jury, until you strip it back and learn a bit more.

I appreciated that Joe is complex. At the start, I felt only repulsion for him; by the end, I felt a loathing of a different volume.

If I were to be slightly critical, some elements feel underdeveloped. Anna Maxwell Martin's nun, for example, makes a significant admission, but her story doesn't go anywhere; some scenes are a little rushed. Brian's turnaround also left me unsure.

Bobby Schofield gave a terrific, layered performance, with Joe's character developing as the film went on. David Threlfall and Anna Friel were excellent in support.

While I'm often critical of one-off 90-minute dramas, this story arguably needed a longer run time to breathe and develop. Nevertheless, Jimmy McGovern has delivered a very good, powerful drama.

7.5/10.