There are times when we come across stories that it is better to know as little as possible. Enough to give it a try. It is the case of ‘Somewhere Boy‘, British drama that we can see on Filmin and that is, practically from its very beginning, one of the great surprises in terms of television series of what we have in 2023.
A relative surprise, because it has been released in our country with several BAFTA nominations, including best drama (it competed with ‘Sisters to Death’, ‘The Responder’ and ‘Sherwood’), and temerging encouragement for its screenwriter, Pete Jackson. Statuette that, by the way, he materialized.
But let’s get on topic. Starring lewis gribben Like Danny, ‘Somewhere Boy’ tells us the story of a boy who has grown up in the confines of his father (rory keenan) in a house in the middle of the English countryside. After a tragedy, the young man goes out “into the real world”.
Moves but does not manipulate
Eight episodes of less than half an hour It is enough for Jackson to tell us a story that is as moving as it is optimistic, narrated in a fascinating way and that flees, or at least pretends to, from falling into easy manipulation. In other words, it is moving but not melodramatic.
It is worth noting the fact of how it moves away from conventions or situations that, as a spectator, we may have preconceived when we begin to know what this little drama revolves around. Although why Danny has lived in seclusion in a house in the country is tragic in itself, The father’s motives are, even twisted, noble.
This does not mean that the series excuses or justifies him, just doesn’t proceed to make a judgment beyond this or that comment from our young protagonist’s uncles. In this way, the script speaks more about trauma, the end of innocence and starting (and fitting in) a new life rather than abuse, deprivation of liberty.
Something that they do touch but, in this aspect, it is strangely optimistic within the sadness that surrounds them. It’s even funny, especially with the duo between the protagonist and his cousin Aaron (Samuel Bottomley) who, despite not having been secluded in a world of monsters and 1930s movies, isn’t much brighter.
Pete Jackson’s script it is tremendously delicate and casts a compassionate look and emotional to the story of Danny’s new life. And not only when it comes to portraying young people, but also Sue (Lisa McGrillis), the protagonist’s paternal aunt. Although I think ‘Somewhere Boy’ escapes a bit from being classified as a family drama, it has a lot of that component here.
An enviable youthful cast
At this point, no one should be surprised and in any case we should be envious of national fiction, the fact that young actors hold up a quite demanding script so well. Both Gribben and Bottomley give him an integrity and great nuances to their roles, being one of the highlights of the series.
In short, ‘Somewhere Boy’ It is undoubtedly one of the great surprises of the year. One of those series that, as happened last year with ‘In my skin’, is incredibly “small” for the great residue it leaves behind. Beautiful, moving and powerful.
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