Watch Gold Digger

Gold Digger is a gripping six-part series that premiered on BBC iPlayer in 2019. The show follows the story of Julia Day (played by Julia Ormond), a wealthy 60-year old woman who falls in love with Benjamin (played by Ben Barnes), a 35-year old copywriter. This May-December romance is the centerpiece of the show, as it sets the stage for a compelling and unpredictable character-driven drama.

The show begins with Julia's birthday party, where she meets Benjamin for the first time. Despite the age difference and Julia's status as a wealthy woman, the two hit it off, and a romance quickly blossoms. However, Julia's three grown-up children are skeptical of Benjamin's true intentions, which creates tension between them and Julia. Her children believe that Benjamin is only interested in Julia's wealth and is a "gold digger" trying to take advantage of their mother.

As the plot thickens, viewers are taken on a journey through the complicated lives of Julia and Benjamin. Their relationship is not as simple as it first appears, as both characters are struggling with deep-seated personal issues. Julia is grappling with the fact that she is getting older and is afraid of being alone, while Benjamin is trying to find his place in the world and escape his troubled past. Their complex personalities and motivations keep the audience on the edge of their seats, as they try to figure out where the story is heading.

One of the strengths of Gold Digger is the way it explores the complexities of relationships and family dynamics. Through the lens of Julia's unconventional romance, the show examines the ways our families shape our lives and how we struggle to find our own identity. The relationship between mother and son is particularly well-developed, as we see the fraught dynamic between Julia and her oldest son Patrick, who is suspicious of Benjamin from the start.

The show also brings up timely issues related to ageism, gender, and power dynamics. Julia's age makes her a target for criticism and skepticism, even from those closest to her. As a woman entering into a relationship with a younger man, Julia faces prejudice and ridicule. The show also explores the power dynamic between Julia and Benjamin, as their differing financial statuses and life experiences give rise to conflicts and tension.

The acting in Gold Digger is top-notch, particularly from Julia Ormond and Ben Barnes. Ormond brings a depth and vulnerability to her role as Julia, making her a sympathetic and relatable character despite her immense wealth. Barnes shines as Benjamin, delivering a nuanced and captivating performance that keeps the audience guessing as to his true intentions. Karla-Simone Spence, who plays Benjamin's ex-girlfriend Della, also deserves praise for her standout performance.

The show's cinematography is also worth noting, as it captures the beauty of London and the British countryside, where many scenes take place. The use of flashbacks and dream sequences adds to the show's overall atmosphere and sense of tension.

In conclusion, Gold Digger is a must-watch series that explores complex themes and delivers a compelling character-driven drama. The show's stellar cast, intriguing plot, and thought-provoking exploration of relationships and family dynamics make it a standout in the realm of British television.

Gold Digger is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between November 12, 2019 and on BBC iPlayer