The Dilemma

THE DILEMMA is a short stand-alone drama that involves an agonizing decision to be made by Pippa, pregnant vet (Olivia Colman), about whether or not to accede to her mother Angela's (Alison Steadman's) wish to have an assisted death, so as to escape the ravages of liver cancer. The vet's husband Shaun (Steve Oram) resents the fact that his wife might agree, but there is little he can do to intervene.

Tightly directed by Dominic Savage, this little playlet contrasts the idea of new life - as symbolized through Pippa's pregnancy - with Angela's wish to end her existence. The Nat King Cole song introducing the drama sets the theme: we should consider precisely what "life" is and whether it is actually preferable to death on some occasions. Photographed in predominantly gray and/or muddy colors by Matt Grey, in weather that can most charitably be described as dismal, THE DILEMMA creates a doleful world in which no one really cares about anyone else: Pippa's veterinary surgery gets broken into for no apparent reason, while her assistant (Louise Kempton) appears interested in little else except herself.

In the end, however, we are left feeling strangely uplifted, as Pippa and Shaun agree to give their unborn child a suitable name that will help to link past, present and future.