Unforgivable deals with the aftermath of a family dealing with uncle on nephew child abuse. Joe, the uncle, is released from prison on licence. Though time frames are rarely discussed this is soon after, but not related to, the death of his mother.
His sister, played by Anna Friel, whose son he abused is finding it difficult to cope with family life and come to terms with the horror of what happened.
There are other goings on that fill the 90 minute run time.
It is a well made drama, exploring the issues and trauma through a series of therapy sessions and real time drama.
This is a Jimmy McGovern drama so expect to feel uncomfortable.
Just because the central issue is horrific doesn't necessarily mean the drama itself will be outstanding.
There are many good performances balanced out by a few cardboard actors. Bobby Schofield who plays the uncle, was the wrong lead. He's not defined nor sharp enough. Anna Friel, the mother is outstanding as is David Threlfall, the grandad. The child actor who plays the nephew could have upped his game.
The 90 minute run time is heavy with cliches. The dysfunctional family has now become all too common in these dramas to the extent we have become desensitised to their plight.
Unforgivable does take an unexpected turn for which more time should have been allowed to scrutinise the developments. Instead, it's all crammed into the last 10 minutes and as the credits roll an overwhelming feeling of anticlimax prevails. Could have been so much more only if it was stretched out somewhat.
