Watch Women in Love

Set in 1920s England, Women in Love is a BBC adaptation of the classic novel by D.H. Lawrence, which follows the lives and relationships of two sisters, Ursula and Gudrun Brangwen. The four-part drama stars Rosamund Pike as Ursula and Rachael Stirling as Gudrun, two very different women who navigate love, friendship, and societal expectations in a time when women's roles were restricted and rigid.

Ursula, a schoolteacher, is practical and grounded, while Gudrun is a bohemian artist who is more free-spirited and outspoken. Despite their differences, the sisters share a deep bond and an emotional connection that is tested by their romantic relationships with two men, Rupert Birkin (played by Rory Kinnear), a school inspector who is struggling with his own desires and identity, and Gerald Crich (played by Joseph Mawle), the son of a wealthy mine owner who is engaged to Gudrun.

The series explores themes of love, sexuality, gender roles, and the tension between art and industry. Ursula and Gudrun's relationships with Rupert and Gerald become a source of conflict and introspection, as they struggle to reconcile their desires and expectations with the social norms of the time. The characters are complex and multidimensional, with flaws and strengths that make them compelling and relatable.

The backdrop of the British Midlands in the 1920s provides a rich and evocative setting for the story, with stunning landscapes and authentic period details that transport the viewer to another time and place. The costumes and production design are meticulous and immersive, adding to the overall atmosphere of the show.

One of the strengths of Women in Love is the chemistry between the actors, particularly Pike and Stirling, who bring nuance and depth to their portrayals of the sisters. Their scenes together are some of the most powerful and memorable in the series, as they confront each other and themselves with honesty and vulnerability.

Another standout performance comes from Kinnear, who imbues Rupert with a quiet intensity and complexity that is both magnetic and unsettling. Mawle also delivers a strong performance as Gerald, capturing the character's inner turmoil and contradictions.

Overall, Women in Love is a well-crafted and engaging drama that offers a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for self-discovery and expression. The series is a testament to the enduring relevance of Lawrence's work, as well as a showcase for the talents of its cast and crew.

Women in Love is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between and on BBC