Watch Death and Nightingales

Death and Nightingales is a period drama series set in the countryside of Northern Ireland during the 1880s. The show is a BBC2 production and is based on the novel of the same name by Eugene McCabe. The series premiered in 2018 and starred Matthew Rhys, Ann Skelly, and Jamie Dornan.

The story revolves around a young woman named Beth Winters (Ann Skelly) who lives with her Protestant stepfather Billy Winters (Matthew Rhys) in a remote farm. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Beth's mother died under mysterious circumstances, and Beth is secretly planning to elope with her Catholic lover, Liam Ward (Jamie Dornan).

The relationship between Beth and Billy is fraught with tension, as Billy is a controlling and abusive man who resents Liam's presence in Beth's life. As the two try to plan their escape, they must navigate the dangerous political and cultural divisions in the country, as tensions between Catholics and Protestants are running high.

The series is a slow-burning drama that expertly weaves together themes of love, power, and betrayal. The three leads deliver incredible performances, with Ann Skelly in particular shining as the headstrong and determined Beth. Matthew Rhys is also impressive in his portrayal of Billy, who is both menacing and pitiable.

The show is beautifully shot, with the stunning Northern Irish countryside serving as a backdrop to the story. The period setting is also incredibly immersive, with the show's attention to detail making it feel like a true time capsule.

One of the most interesting elements of the show is its exploration of the political and cultural tensions in Northern Ireland during this time period. The relationship between Beth and Liam is a microcosm of these tensions, as they must navigate the complexities of their respective backgrounds in order to be together.

Another standout aspect of the show is its use of music. The titular Nightingales are a group of women who sing hauntingly beautiful songs throughout the series. These songs serve as a commentary on the events of the show, and add an extra layer of emotion to the already powerful story.

Overall, Death and Nightingales is a beautifully crafted drama that is not to be missed. The performances from its talented cast and its thought-provoking exploration of its themes make it one of the best period dramas of recent years.

Death and Nightingales is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between January 1, 2018 and on BBC2