I am Ruth

'I am' comprises two series of short dramas with female leads written by Dominic Savage; I've only seen the second of these. They're not badly written (indeed, in some ways, 'I am Maria' is superbly written (and acted, by Lesley Manville) but I didn't love the format. It tells us of the end of a marriage; while 'I am Victoria' tells of a woman breaking down under the pressure to be percieved as living her best life. But in both of these films, it felt like I was watching only the last chapter of a larger story; it was hard to place my sympathy when being shown only the final act. 'I am Danielle' is a more complete tale but in some ways quite schematic. I've seen many good movies that are only 80 minutes; but these films felt like snapshots more than they did narratives.

There's not much cinema nor TV I'd watch a second time. These, just six, episodes I would watch again. Each of the six main female actors were outstanding in the women they played, in their delivery, in their moments of passion, anger, despair in six superbly told stories of women at a crossroads in their lives, lives complicated by love, by loneliness, by want and need and by loss and regret. Direction and production, down to camera work and lighting and soundtrack par excellence. Best TV series in a long time. Each of the six stories will stay with you for some time to come ...

I am... a well-off, straight, woman. There's variation in the writing, of course there is. The actors are all brilliant and they are all falling apart in different ways. The protrstyals are brilliant. But there is still a lack of variation and breadth with none of the characters being gay. Seems like a weird oversight.

Short review here but I'm sure this highlights real life situations. Bit awkward watching to be honest but is definitely worth a watch.

A really good trilogy showing the lives of different characters and how they deal with different scenarios. All were a good watch but found Kirsty's story the most gripping. Shows how life can be changed so easily and gripping and sometimes uncomfortable to watch. Glad to hear there is a second series of these coming out.