Watch The Virtues

The Virtues is a gripping four-part miniseries from ITV that explores the themes of addiction, trauma, and redemption. The show revolves around the character of Joseph (Stephen Graham), a middle-aged alcoholic who is struggling to come to terms with a painful past that he has tried to forget. When his ex-partner moves to Australia with their young son, Joseph is left with nothing but his memories and his addictive tendencies.

As he spirals deeper and deeper into despair, Joseph decides to take a trip back to the small Irish town where he grew up. There, he tries to reconnect with his sister Anna (Helen Behan), who was separated from him when they were both taken into care as children. Joseph also meets a kind-hearted woman named Dinah (Niamh Algar), who helps him come to terms with his past and confront the demons that have haunted him for so long.

The series is a powerful exploration of the long-lasting effects of trauma and how it can shape a person's life in unpredictable ways. Joseph's struggles with addiction are presented with harrowing honesty, and the show doesn't shy away from showing the uglier sides of his behavior. However, it also allows us to see the vulnerable side of Joseph, as his memories of his past slowly start to bubble up to the surface.

Through flashbacks, we learn about Joseph's experiences in the care system, where he was physically and emotionally abused by the Christian Brothers. The scenes set in the present are interspersed with those from Joseph's past, and the two timelines gradually converge as Joseph starts to confront his abusers and come to terms with the trauma of his childhood.

The performances in The Virtues are uniformly excellent, with Stephen Graham delivering a career-best turn as Joseph. He imbues the character with a raw, painful energy that makes it impossible to look away from his journey. Niamh Algar is equally impressive as Dinah, a woman who is also trying to come to terms with her past and finds redemption in helping others.

Helen Behan's performance as Anna is also noteworthy, as the character struggles to deal with her own demons while trying to support her brother. The relationship between Joseph and Anna is complex and nuanced, with both actors conveying the deep bond between their characters despite the years of separation.

The show's pacing is deliberate, with director Shane Meadows allowing scenes to play out at their own pace without rushing to get to the next dramatic twist. This methodical approach allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story and experience the emotional highs and lows alongside the characters.

The cinematography and soundtrack are also top-notch, with the bleak Irish countryside providing a fitting backdrop to the characters' struggles. The score by Gavin Clark adds an additional layer of melancholy to the proceedings, enhancing the already powerful emotions on display.

Overall, The Virtues is a deeply affecting and superbly crafted drama that tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and honesty. It's a testament to the talent of those involved that they are able to present such a devastating story of trauma and addiction in a way that is both engaging and cathartic. This is a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and anyone who wants to experience the full range of human emotion.