Watch Patrick Melrose

Patrick Melrose is a five-part television drama series based on Edward St Aubyn’s semi-autobiographical novel series of the same name. The show originally aired on Showtime in 2018, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character, alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh as Eleanor Melrose, his mother, and Hugo Weaving as David Melrose, his father. It follows the story of Patrick Melrose, a character who is born with a silver spoon in his mouth but is caught in a cycle of addiction and trauma that his privileged upbringing cannot shield him from.

Set in the 1980s, the show follows Patrick Melrose as he travels to New York City to collect his father’s ashes from his second wife, after David Melrose takes his own life. The show navigates through the complex web of traumas that Patrick has accumulated throughout his life, from childhood abuse to drug addiction and the toll it takes on his relationships, his life, and his sense of self. The narrative spans the course of several decades, with each episode also serving as a stand-alone chapter focused on a particular moment in Patrick Melrose’s life.

In the first episode, Bad News, we see Patrick receiving the news of his father’s death while he was in a drug-induced haze, which leads him on an impulsive and self-destructive bender. In the second episode, Never Mind, we are introduced to Patrick’s parents, his abusive father, David and his emotionally absent mother, Eleanor. Through flashbacks, we see the extent of David Melrose’s cruelty towards his son when he is just a child, as well as the impact it has had on Patrick’s psychological and emotional development. The third episode, Some Hope, interweaves between Patrick’s past and present, as he tries to reconcile his addiction with the desire to be a responsible parent to his own children.

The fourth episode, Mother’s Milk, takes place in the south of France, where Patrick is struggling to overcome his addiction while being haunted by his past. The episode delves deeper into Patrick’s relationship with his mother, a somewhat charismatic and self-obsessed socialite, who has always put her own needs above her son’s. The fifth and final episode, At Last, takes place in London where Patrick has to confront his past to achieve closure and freedom from his destructive cycle.

Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a powerful performance in his portrayal of Patrick Melrose, capturing the character’s inner turmoil, vulnerabilities and addiction with nuanced and convincing acting. The show’s creative team masterfully captures the complex nature of addiction and trauma, portraying them honestly and unflinchingly. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Hugo Weaving also deliver measured, impactful performances in their respective roles.

The show’s cinematography and visual style creates a haunting, yet beautiful atmosphere, juxtaposing stunning shots of New York, London and the south of France, with moments of intense emotional intensity. The use of music and sound design also contributes to the show’s immersive storytelling, elevating the emotional tension in each scene.

Overall, Patrick Melrose is a gripping drama that tackles the complexities of addiction, trauma and loss with sensitivity and raw honesty. The show's stunning performances, cinematography, and writing allow it to transcend the constraints of the television format and offer an intensely emotional and immersive experience to its viewers.

Patrick Melrose is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between May 12, 2018 and on SHOWTIME