


Room at the Top is a period drama miniseries based on the novel of the same name by John Braine, which was first published in 1957. The show premiered in 2012 and starred Matthew McNulty, Maxine Peake, and Jenna Coleman in lead roles. The story takes place in the post-World War II era and revolves around the life of a young man named Joe Lampton (Matthew McNulty), a working-class guy who dreams of making it big. He moves to the city of Warley, where he encounters the wealthy and elite crowd of the town. He befriends a married couple, Alice (Maxine Peake) and Jack Aisgill (Tom Brooke), and falls in love with their beautiful and sophisticated daughter Susan (Jenna Coleman).
Joe's innocent infatuation with Susan quickly turns into an obsession, and he is willing to go to any length to win her heart. He starts a relationship with Alice, Susan's mother, with the intention of getting closer to Susan. Along the way, he tries to climb the social ladder and make a name for himself by impressing the influential people in town.
The series brilliantly captures the class divide of the post-war era and the struggles of the working-class people trying to fit in with the upper-class society. Joe's character is a classic anti-hero, who is both likable and hateable, and his journey from a small town boy to an ambitious young man is enthralling.
Matthew McNulty's portrayal of Joe Lampton is impressive, and he manages to capture the complex and flawed personality of the character flawlessly. Maxine Peake, who plays Alice Aisgill, gives a powerful performance and brings depth to her character. Jenna Coleman as Susan Aisgill is stunning and captivating, and her chemistry with McNulty is electrifying.
The series also deals with themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and social inequality, which are relevant even in today's time. The writing is intelligent and thought-provoking, and the show's attention to detail in recreating the post-war era is remarkable.
The cinematography and production design are top-notch, and they do an excellent job of creating a realistic and immersive experience for the viewers. The show's soundtrack, which includes classic tunes from the 1950s, adds to the overall charm and nostalgia of the era.
Room at the Top is a must-watch for fans of period dramas and literary adaptations. The show's stellar cast, gripping storyline, and masterful execution make it a standout series that will leave a lasting impact on the viewers.
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Genres
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CastMatthew McNultyMaxine PeakeJenna Coleman
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Premiere DateSeptember 26, 2012
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IMDB Rating6.5 (380)

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