Watch Flesh and Blood

Flesh and Blood is a gripping four-part drama that aired on ITV in early 2020. Created and written by Sarah Williams, the series explores the dysfunctional dynamics of a family thrown into turmoil when their widowed mother Vivien (played by Francesca Annis) falls in love with a charming and enigmatic stranger named Mark (Stephen Rea).

The series is narrated by the couple's nosy neighbor, Mary (Imelda Staunton), who watches from her window as the family becomes increasingly embroiled in Mark's mysterious past and his suspicious behavior towards Vivien. As the children Jake (Russell Tovey), Helen (Claudie Blakley), and Natalie (Lydia Leonard) struggle to come to terms with their mother's new relationship, long-buried family secrets and resentments begin to surface, threatening to tear them apart.

The drama is set in a picturesque coastal town in Sussex, providing an idyllic backdrop to the complex domestic drama at the heart of the series. As the story unravels, viewers are drawn into the lives of the dysfunctional family, their past, and their present, with twists and turns that keep audiences guessing until the final episode.

Williams' writing is both gripping and nuanced, exploring themes of family, love, and betrayal with sensitivity and depth. The talented cast is led by Francesca Annis, who delivers an utterly compelling performance as Vivien, a complex, conflicted character caught between her love for Mark and her loyalty to her children. Imelda Staunton is similarly excellent as the gossiping neighbor Mary, injecting humor and wit into the proceedings.

Russell Tovey, Claudie Blakley, and Lydia Leonard all give strong performances as Vivien's children, each grappling with their own personal struggles while trying to come to terms with their mother's new relationship. Stephen Rea is superb as the enigmatic Mark, giving a layered and nuanced performance that keeps viewers guessing about his true intentions until the very end.

The series is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography capturing the picturesque coastal setting and contrasting it with the increasingly tense and claustrophobic atmosphere of the family's home. The music score by Edmund Butt is equally impressive, adding to the drama's tense and unsettling mood.

Flesh and Blood is a gripping, suspenseful drama that will keep audiences guessing from beginning to end. With a talented cast, sharp writing, and a mesmerizing score, the series is a masterclass in crafting complex, multi-layered characters and relationships. It's a testament to the power of British storytelling and a must-watch for fans of domestic dramas.

Flesh and Blood is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between February 24, 2020 and on ITV