Watch Guilt
- 2019
- 2 Seasons
-
7.4 (5,676)
Guilt is a gripping drama-comedy series that follows the lives of two estranged brothers, Max and Jake, after a fatal accident occurs during a drunken argument between them. The show, set in Edinburgh, Scotland, offers a refreshing blend of suspense, humour and emotion, brought to life by a talented cast led by Mark Bonnar, Emun Elliott and Greg McHugh.
Max (Bonnar) is a successful Edinburgh lawyer, living in a luxurious apartment with his wife, Claire (Ruth Bradley). His younger brother, Jake (Elliott), on the other hand, is a struggling musician often strapped for cash and crashing on his friend's couch. The two brothers have little in common, with a history of conflicts and broken promises.
Their lives change forever when a young woman, Angie (Ellie Haddington), is killed in a hit-and-run accident. The driver flees the scene, leaving Angie's body in the middle of the road. The police investigation quickly reveals that the car that hit Angie belonged to Max, who had lent it to Jake for the night. What follows is a darkly humorous and suspenseful tale of cover-ups, secrets and betrayals as the brothers try to clear their names and avoid going to jail.
The show brilliantly captures the complex relationships between the characters, adding layers of depth to their backstories and motivations. Max's ambition and thirst for success often lead him to make morally questionable decisions, but his love for his wife and fear of losing everything he has worked for keep him grounded. Jake, on the other hand, is a free spirit, with a carefree attitude towards life that often gets him into trouble. His strained relationship with Max, coupled with his guilt over the accident, leaves him struggling to find his place in the world.
As the show unfolds, we see the brothers' lives unraveling, as secrets from their pasts come back to haunt them. The tension builds up as they try to cover up their involvement in the accident, risking everything they have for fear of the truth coming out. Meanwhile, the victim's daughter, Anna (Sian Brooke), sets out to uncover the truth behind her mother's death, even if it means dragging the brothers through the mud.
The show's writing is top-notch, offering a perfect balance between humour and drama that keeps the audience engaged. The portrayal of the Scottish legal system, and the intricate web of relationships, class dynamics and politics that underlie it, adds to the show's authenticity and depth. The setting in the picturesque city of Edinburgh is also a highlight, with stunning landscapes and breathtaking architecture adding to the show's visual appeal.
The performances of the cast are remarkable, with Bonnar, Elliott and McHugh delivering nuanced and engaging portrayals of complex characters. Bonnar's Max is charismatic yet flawed, with a moral compass that is always shifting. Elliott's Jake is charming yet troubled, with an infectious energy that masks his inner struggles. McHugh's Kenny, Jake's friend and confidante, brings much-needed comic relief to the show with his witty quips and sharp observations.
Overall, Guilt is a must-watch show that offers the perfect blend of suspense, humour and heart. The show's unique mix of genres, coupled with its superb writing, direction and performances, make it one of the best shows to come out of Scotland in recent years. With a second season already in the works, fans can look forward to more jaw-dropping twists and turns as the story of Max and Jake continues to unfold.