Watch five by five

Five by Five is a British anthology TV series that consists of five short films that are all about five minutes in duration. The show was produced by Idris Elba and aired on BBC Three in 2017. It is now available on the streaming service, BritBox. Each of the five episodes focuses on a different character, each from a diverse background and with a unique story to tell. The show explores themes like love, loss, family, and identity, all within the context of a modern and multicultural Britain.

The first episode, titled "Life Sentence," follows a young woman named Ally who is about to be released from prison. She finds herself struggling to adjust to life on the outside and to reconnect with her estranged mother. The second episode, "Work," tells the story of a young black woman named Tia who is trying to make it as a stand-up comic. However, she faces resistance from her family, who think she should pursue a more traditional career.

The third episode, "Kids," focuses on a young couple, Kirsty and Lee, who are struggling to raise their child in poverty. Kirsty is forced to make a difficult decision that could change the course of her family's life forever. In the fourth episode, "Family," we meet a teenage boy named Jake who is struggling to connect with his father following the death of his mother.

The final episode, "Bride," follows a young Pakistani bride named Rehana who is preparing for her wedding day. However, she is torn between following her family's traditions and pursuing her own dreams.

What sets Five by Five apart from other anthologies is its focus on telling diverse stories that are both honest and relatable. Each episode is filmed in a different style and by a different director, which adds to the uniqueness of the show. The series features a talented cast of up-and-coming actors, many of whom were relatively unknown at the time of filming.

One of the most lauded aspects of Five by Five is its commitment to diverse representation. The show explores stories that are rarely seen on mainstream television, from the experiences of ex-convicts and stand-up comics to the struggles of working-class families and young people grappling with their identity.

Despite its short run time, each episode of Five by Five is powerfully emotional, packed with sharp dialogue and poignant moments that resonate long after the credits roll. The show manages to tell complex, difficult stories with sensitivity and nuance, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for quality TV that explores the complexities of modern life.

five by five is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between March 28, 2017 and on BritBox