Watch Southcliffe

Southcliffe is a gripping four-part drama series that explores the aftermath of a small town tragedy. The show premiered on Channel 4 in August 2013 and boasts a talented cast including Sean Harris, Rory Kinnear, Shirley Henderson, Eddie Marsan, Joe Dempsie, Anatol Yusef, Nichola Burley, Coral Amiga, Kaya Scodelario, Paul Blackwell, and Mickey Morris.

The show is set in the fictional town of Southcliffe, located in the county of Kent in southeastern England. The story begins as a series of shocking shootings take place in the town, leaving 15 people dead and many more injured. The show follows the impact of the tragedy on the small town, exploring the various relationships and personal struggles of those involved.

Sean Harris stars as the troubled and enigmatic gunman, Stephen Morton. Morton is a loner who struggles to connect with others, and his motivations for carrying out the shootings remain unclear. Rory Kinnear plays a journalist named David Whitehead, who returns to his hometown to cover the tragedy and becomes deeply involved in the lives of the people affected. Shirley Henderson gives a powerful performance as grieving mother Claire Salter, whose son was killed in the shootings.

Eddie Marsan also stars in the show as Andrew Salter, Claire's husband who struggles to cope with the loss of his son. Joe Dempsie plays Chris Cooper, a survivor of the shootings who finds himself at the center of media attention. Anatol Yusef plays Paul Gould, the town's councilor who is tasked with dealing with the fallout from the tragedy. Nichola Burley plays Sophie, a young woman struggling with mental health issues who becomes a key witness in the investigation. Coral Amiga plays Reza, an immigrant from Eastern Europe who becomes a target of suspicion in the aftermath of the shootings. Kaya Scodelario plays Anna Salter, Andrew and Claire's daughter who struggles with guilt over surviving the tragedy.

The show is a masterful combination of beautiful cinematography, haunting music, and powerful performances. It is not an easy watch, as it deals with heavy themes such as grief, trauma, and the aftermath of violence. However, the show does not exploit the tragedy for shock value, but rather explores the complex and often messy emotions that arise in the wake of such an event.

The show's creator and writer, Tony Grisoni, does an exceptional job of crafting the story and the characters. The show is not a whodunit, as the identity of the gunman is revealed early on in the first episode. Rather, the focus is on how the tragedy affects the community and the individuals involved. Each episode explores the aftermath from a different character's perspective, offering insight into their lives and motivations.

One of the strengths of the show is its attention to detail. The fictional town of Southcliffe feels like a real place, with its small shops, pubs, and council buildings. The show also tackles important social issues such as mental health, immigration, and media ethics in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.

Overall, Southcliffe is a powerful and intense drama that offers a sobering reflection on the aftermath of tragedy. It is a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and those interested in exploring the impact of violence on a community.

Southcliffe is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between August 4, 2013 and on Channel 4