Mix Tape

My Review - Mixtape Streaming on Foxtel My Rating 8:10

This entertaining and romantic 4 part series set in 1989 Sheffield and Sydney is a production partnership between Ireland and Australia starring Jim Sturgess and Teresa Palmer .

It's a charming old fashioned sliding doors romance where two young lovers through traumatic events separate or escape to different continents and marry different partners .

Young Daniel played by Rory Walton-Smith and young Alison played by Florence Hunt meet in 1989 Sheffield and fall in love as teenagers before life takes them in different directions.

Daniel is left wondering why Alison just packs up and leaves Sheffield without any explanation at all Years later he discovers Alison is a very successful author living in Sydney now married to a doctor with a teenage daughter of her own.

Daniel reconnects with Alison through social media and both begin to wonder if they were meant to be with each other rather than remain in problematical marriages.

They both share the musical memories which were the soundtrack of their romance .

I thoroughly enjoyed Mixtape it's romantic touching and it's really nice to watch a four part series that's not violent or over sexualised with really likeable characters.

Top marks to Director Lucy Gaffy and Jo Spain the screenplay writer they have created a relatable and charming contemporary love story .

I came across this as it was starting on the BBC, knowing nothing about it. Watched the first episode and then was hooked.

It reflects the period in the 80's well, recreating Sheffield. Varying accuracy of accents aside, it does it well.

The two central characters, as kids, are excellent, as are their adult counterparts.

Theres various issues of the time to deal with, social pressures, dysfunctional family, seemingly loving family, school life, friendship, love, all set to a fairly good soundtrack of 80's indie (ish) music. Nice to see someone with those horrible orange foam headphones on permanently! Theres even a pantomime villain character, scheming away.

I found it refreshing and lovely and was glued to it.

We knew nothing about this going in, other than 'you never forget the boy who makes you your first mixtape'. Enjoyed the short series so much, perfect weekend watch. The songs are perhaps more suited to UK watchers, but they were well chosen and took us back. Great casting! The young actors had us believing they were smitten, and the chemistry carried across to the adult counterparts. Only one actor seemed like he was acting, otherwise the characters were believable and a little relatable. Gen X watchers should enjoy this.

Not sure why there are a smattering of low ratings, but most romances have them, not sure if someone is making them watch against their will, but if you've watched the ad, you should know what you're in for, and it's some high quality, well scripted, well acted entertainment. It's not going to change your life, but it will make you smile and hum along, and entertain you for four hours. Might even watch again!

This is the best limited series I have seen for many years. In fact it is a high quality movie presented in four parts. The story is interesting, but it's execution is what makes this show a 10.

The screenplay is superb. It's best moments are when the story is hinted at, not spoon fed to us - the writers treat the audience with respect.

The direction is also a standout, again using understatement to make greater emotional impact. The use of flashbacks and current timelines is fluid and never misses a beat. Again presented to allow the audience to draw their own conclusions & interpretations.

And the acting.....fantastic! Every role was so perfectly cast and they all delivered. In particular the young & old Daniel & Alison. All four were superb, but I must single out Florence Hunt who played the young Alison. To me her convincing performance set up the story so well.

And last but not least, the Music. Used to perfection and ensured my emotions bubbled over, especially in the last episode. Well done to all on a most memorable viewing experience. Thank you.

Mixtape (2025) completely won me over. It's one of those shows that sneaks up on you and stays with you long after the credits roll. The characters feel real, the music is incredible, and every episode made me feel something. It captures growing up, falling in love, and figuring out who you are in such a relatable way. I laughed, cried, and kept hitting "next episode" without thinking twice. It's warm, nostalgic, and full of heart. Honestly, it's one of my favourite shows this year and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves stories that feel personal and true.

What makes it even more special is how effortlessly it blends everyday life with a sense of magic and meaning. The friendships, the awkward moments, the big emotions - it all feels genuine. It reminded me of being a teenager again, and how powerful music can be during those years.