Say Nothing

Based on Patrick Radden Keefe's meticulously researched book "Say Nothing," transports viewers into the heart of the Northern Ireland conflict, known as "The Troubles," through a profoundly unique lens.

The film, like the book, goes beyond simply recounting facts. Narrated by the protagonists themselves, it strives to elucidate the motivations and consequences of their actions, adopting a powerful "female gaze" by prioritizing the experiences of the women who participated in and endured the violence.

This offers a unique and invaluable perspective on the Northern Ireland conflict, enhanced by the stunning performances of an exceptional all-female cast.

This series begins with the IRA's shocking abduction of a mother, Jean McConville, in front of her children. Then it slows down a bit, and settles into the story of two sisters who facilitated a fair number of murders and bombings. The mystery of happened to Mrs. McConville--and why--looms over every episode, but there are many other compelling narratives.

It all looks and seems very authentic. Every episode has a disclaimer stating that Gerry Adams denies his involvement in IRA military actions, but the show defiantly suggests otherwise. Even if some of the details are wrong, the series does bring this ugly period to life in a way that feels real.

If I have one quibble, it is that the sisters are a little too appealing and charming, especially Dolores. No matter how much guilt they may express at any point, it has the effect of romanticizing their lives as terrorists/soldiers/whatever.

A person who plans and carries out a bombing designed to kill or maim hundreds of civilians has a screw loose, yet that scary, unhinged viciousness doesn't come through. Maybe it's impossible to depict it, but these two sisters, and their male IRA cohorts all seem a little too sane and likable. Whether it's seething hatred or callous obliviousness to the suffering of others, some additional exploration of the thinking of people who do this sort of thing would have been good.

The sisters' time in prison is also glossed over rather quickly. Some of the unpleasantness is shown, and they describe how bad it was, but it's all over rather fast.

Still, these are quibbles.

Much of this show is hard to watch. There is just so much sadness and futility and senseless death. And yet the reality was even worse, and this show does a good job of bringing the period back to life. It's definitely the best streaming series I've seen in a while.

I highly suggest reading the book for additional context/info, but the series does a fantastic job covering the material.

Really well-acted across the multiple age eras of the principal characters.

The larger themes to me are: -in war, everyone thinks they are on the right side -how far will you go for a cause you believe in, and what happens when that belief is tested or wanes -the sacrificial pawns of war who carry the most risk typically are easily discarded in the end -the larger "code" of silence within communities goes too far sometimes -the spoils of war tend to go to the bureaucrats, not the soldiers

Overall an incredibly well-done miniseries.

The casting is absolutely spot on. The main players, Gerry Adam's, Brendan Hughes and Dolours Price were cast absolutely perfectly. You'd swear you were actually there reliving History. It's gritty, it's exciting and they have Belfast of the 1970's to a tee.. You'd honestly think you were watching a documentary is that well shot.. I'm only a few episodes in but so far it's edge of your seat stuff..

So far they have done a good job of showing two sides of the story and they didn't shy away from showing how the troubles started. The Protestant/Loyalist Population with the help of the Police beating and burning the Catholics out of their homes..

Quite the devastating story. Probably the most heart wrenching piece of "entertainment" I've ever seen was episode #6. The younger Price sisters are amazingly well portrayed by 2 actresses I had never heard of (Lola Petticrew and Hazel Doupe). Hope to see them get more mainstream roles going forward. Anthony Boyle also jumped off the screen in every scene he was in. The show couldn't have been cast any better.

I was only vaguely familiar with this story and haven't read the book, so I can't speak to the shows accuracy, but I can say the dialogue is well written and the directors did a fantastic job.

Would absolutely recommend watching this show. Although, I wouldn't suggest watching it in 1 day like I did as you'll lose some sleep.