Unforgivable

Please be aware that some reviews on here contain spoilers; I'm glad I didn't see any before I watched it.

The acting in this show is top notch by everyone, and Anna Maxwell-Martin was an inspired addition to the cast.

If you like crime dramas and gritty content, then you will likely enjoy this. I'd give it 10 out 10 if only it had been longer; it ended fairly abruptly.

In bleak, stark, Brit drama "Unforgivable" Bobby Schofield gets outta jail a few years after molesting nephew Austin Haynes - with his release stressing the wider family inc his sister (& Haynes' mum) Anna Friel and their dad David Threlfall. Its blue-collar Merseyside style typifies renowned writer Jimmy McGovern, who again tackles a difficult & uncomfortable subject, and does so here with skill, balance, & sensitivity - peeling an onion layer on a distinctly taboo subject. Props too go to debut director Julia Ford who elicits some fine performances, especially from Schofield who's excellent, and Haynes. It's a hard, downbeat watch - but an admirably well-made film.

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.

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.