Watch The Crimson Petal And The White

Set in Victorian London, The Crimson Petal And The White is a period drama miniseries that was first broadcast on BBC Two in 2011. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Michel Faber and tells the story of a young woman named Sugar, played by Romola Garai, who is determined to escape poverty and make a better life for herself.

The story begins when William Rackham, played by Chris O'Dowd, a wealthy, yet troubled businessman, becomes infatuated with Sugar after visiting a brothel where she works as a prostitute. Despite the social barriers that stand between them, Will takes Sugar as his mistress, seeing her as a distraction from his unhappy marriage and failing business ventures.

As the series progresses, we see Sugar struggle to navigate her new position as Will's mistress while still holding onto her own identity and independence. She is a strong-willed character who refuses to be victimized by the class and gender dynamics of Victorian society. Her intelligence and ingenuity are showcased as she schemes and navigates her way through the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that she finds herself in.

Meanwhile, Will's home life is deteriorating as his mentally ill wife Agnes, played brilliantly by Amanda Hale, becomes more and more unstable. Hale's portrayal of Agnes is haunting and nuanced, blending vulnerability and madness in a way that makes her character all the more tragic.

The supporting cast of characters is just as compelling, with notable performances from Shirley Henderson as Mrs. Fox, the madam of the brothel where Sugar works, and Gillian Anderson as Mrs. Castaway, a wealthy philanthropist who takes an interest in Sugar's education.

The Crimson Petal And The White is a beautifully shot and well-acted drama that explores themes of class, gender, and power in Victorian England. It's not just a love story or a social commentary, but a complex and nuanced exploration of characters that are as flawed and human as they are captivating.

The attention to detail in the show's production design and costumes is also noteworthy. From the dark, grimy streets of London to the sumptuous interiors of the wealthier characters, every detail is carefully crafted to create an immersive and authentic world.

Overall, The Crimson Petal And The White is a must-watch for fans of period dramas who are looking for something a bit more complex and challenging than what is typically on offer. It's a show that will keep you engaged from beginning to end, with characters that will haunt you long after the final credits roll.

The Crimson Petal And The White is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 6, 2011 and on BBC Two