Watch Sticks & Stones

Sticks & Stones is a psychological thriller television series produced by Kudos for Channel 4 in the UK. The show was adapted from the novel of the same name by author and screenplay writer Mike Bartlett. The series is a three-part drama that focuses on the story of one man's struggle in the workplace and the psychological impact it has on his life.

The set up of the series revolves around Tom Clarke, who is played by Ken Nwosu. Tom is a hard-working salesman who is highly respected in his company. He leads a team of salespeople and has played an instrumental role in securing the company's biggest deal. However, things begin to unravel for Tom when he misses out on a promotion that he thought was rightfully his.

Tom becomes increasingly isolated from his coworkers and he starts to experience bullying from his colleagues. His life spirals out of control when the bullying becomes more extreme and he faces isolation, paranoia, and severe anxiety leading to an emotional breakdown. This leads him with a deep sense of anger and reaches a point where he wants to take revenge on those who wronged him.

The show addresses the issue of mental health in the workplace and how companies often turn a blind eye to the rampant abuse and harassment experienced by their employees. The series does not show explicit violence or bullying but portrays how words can cut deep like sticks and stones leading to traumatizing effects.

The performances of the cast in Sticks & Stones are exceptional, especially that of Ken Nwosu who gives a heart-breaking portrayal of someone who is pushed to the brink of destruction. Alongside Nwosu, actors including Ben Miller, Alexandra Roach, and Phil Davis deliver powerful performances that make the series painfully realistic.

The storyline is gripping, and the suspense is maintained throughout the series. The show focuses on the premise that we see only what we want to see and asks the question of what would happen if the darkest side of human nature could no longer be ignored.

The show utilizes a flashback and flash-forward narrative, which adds to the suspense of the storyline. The viewer is taken back and forth between Tom Clarke’s past and present, revealing the mystery of why he has suffered a breakdown.

Sticks & Stones addresses relevant contemporary themes in the corporate world and how the balance of power can lead to abuse. The show depicts the cut-throat corporate world, where employees are forced to compete in a toxic environment, resulting in individuals experiencing mental health challenges, which often go unnoticed by those in positions of authority.

The sets and shooting locations in Sticks & Stones are authentic and visually stunning. The show uses modern architectural buildings and cityscapes, which give the series a modern and realistic feel. The use of a subtle yet effective soundtrack adds to the overall atmosphere of the show.

In conclusion, Sticks & Stones is a thought-provoking, well-crafted, and gripping series that touches upon themes of mental health, power dynamics, and corporate abuse. The performances of the cast are exceptional, and the production quality is top-notch. The series is a must-watch for those interested in psychological thrillers and contemporary drama.

Sticks & Stones is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between and on Channel 4