Classics: A Review of Broadchurch By Lauren Ennis

The words 'small town' immediately bring images of hearth, home, and family to mind; unless of course the small town in question is the English suburb of Broadchurch. From 2013 to 2016 viewers spent three seasons among the citizens of this seemingly sleepy town and uncovered a web of secrecy, betrayal, and loss lying just beneath its picturesque surface. What begins as a murder mystery quickly spirals into a journey into the darkest depths of humanity as neighbors, friends, and families find themselves confronted with evil in their midst. Thought provoking, heart breaking, pulse pounding, and impossible to predict, Broadchurch is more than just a first rate crime drama, it's an eerie reflection of the darkest places within both our communities and ourselves.

 The story begins with the calm of suburban life shattered when the body of eleven year old Danny Latimer is found on a beach in Broadchurch. The disturbing discovery turns sinister when local police determine that Danny's death was not a tragic accident, but murder. An investigation is quickly launched with local detective Ellie Miller and her recently arrived boss, Alec Hardy, forming a reluctant team. At first, the two clash as Miller refuses to consider that any of her friends or neighbors could be suspects while Hardy views each of the town's residents with suspicion. As the investigation unfolds, however, it becomes clear that all is not as it appears in Broadchurch and not everyone is who they appear to be.

Broadchurch elevates the modern crime drama to new heights as it expands its scope beyond the crime itself to chronicle its devastating impact. The series deftly portrays the ways in which tragedy upends an entire community and pits it against itself as the police conflict with the press, neighbors clash with one another, and even families begin to question their loyalties. The depiction of the Latimer family as they journey through the anguish of grief is nothing short of wrenching and serves as an apt reminder of the void that remains long after a crime is solved. Although the series is structured as a murder mystery at its heart it is a character study, and therein lies its strength.  Broadchurch focuses less on action than reaction as it gradually unfolds and reveals fresh insight into each of the town's troubled residents with every new clue. In this way, the series ensures that viewers will invest in and empathize with each member of the ensemble cast and highlights the ways in which the effects of a crime ricochet throughout a community. Even as viewers learn more about the diverse cast of characters, however, the central mystery remains just out of reach and leaves viewers guessing until the final, devastating, reveal. Through its expert writing and superb performances Broadchurch is guaranteed to leave viewers nearly as haunted as its residents.

The story leaps off of the screen thanks to the work of its brilliant cast. Carolyn Pickles, Jonathan Bailey, and Vicky McClure lend depth and humor to their roles as local journalists Maggie, Olly, and Karen while aptly highlighting the ways in which ambition can cloud even the best reporter's judgment. Charlotte Beaumont and Adam Wilson tackle their roles with a raw emotion that belies their young ages as they depict the conflicting emotions of Danny's best friend and sister. Pauline Quirk and Joe Sims lend intrigue, dry wit, and menace to their performances as local recluse Susan and family friend Nige. Arthur Darville conveys warmth and empathy as Broadchurch's vicar. David Bradley perfectly balances newsstand owner Jack's gruff exterior with his inner torment. Matthew Gravelle infuses his performance as Ellie's husband with depth, intelligence, and charm. Jodi Whittaker and Andrew Buchan are perfectly cast as Danny's parents and portray the couple's descent into grief with a realism that is nothing short of haunting. Even in the midst of the talented ensemble cast, however, David Tennet and Olivia Colman shine as Detectives Miller and Hardy. Tennet's socially inept but professionally brilliant Hardy and Colman's ambitious but idealistic Miller act as ideal foils to one another and are guaranteed to go down as one of the best crime duos in television history.

Through its unflinching portrayal of a murder and the destruction left in its wake Broachurch sets itself apart as a crime drama with both a mind and an aching heart. Through its skillfully written script the series transports viewers into both the modern English suburbs and the universal depths of human nature. The nuanced performances bring each of the series' complex characters to such vivid life that they are certain to remain on viewers' minds long after all of their secrets are revealed. For unforgettable viewing pay a visit to Broadchurch.

Classics: A Review of My Brilliant Friend the Story of a New Name By Lauren Ennis

In 2018 viewers were introduced to Lila and Elena, two girls living in the slums of post-war Naples but dreaming of something more, and a beautiful friendship was born. After watching the girls struggle against the poverty, violence, and corruption that ran rampant in their neighborhood for one season audiences were left begging for more. This year, HBO released the second installment in the series and viewers were treated to a season that is every bit as compelling, inspiring, heartbreaking and addictive as its predecessor. In this second outing My Brilliant Friend continues to more than live up to it's title.

Partners in crime

The story resumes almost immediately where the first season ended during Lila's wedding to mob connected businessman Stefano Carracci. At the second season's start Lila seems to have finally escaped the violence and limitations of life in Naples' slums. Meanwhile, Elena strives to reconcile the restrictive expectations of her family and boyfriend with her dreams of life beyond the dusty streets of the neighborhood. As the story unfolds, however, Lila's marriage spirals into domestic violence and it becomes apparent that despite her best efforts she has trapped herself in a gilded cage. While Lila faces the bitter reality of her new life Elena copes with her own growing pains as she finds herself alienated from both her wealthy new classmates and her friends still struggling in the neighborhood. Stifled by an existence that seems to be closing in all around her, Lila rebels against her husband, her family, and even neighborhood bosses the Solaras with fateful consequences. As the two girls try to maneuver an increasingly changing society from opposite sides of the social spectrum they find themselves fighting for their futures even as they attempt to hold onto their fading childhood bond.

This installment brings Elena Ferrante's second novel in the Neapolitan novels series, The Story of a New Name, to vibrant life as follows its heroines through the exhilaration and pain of young adulthood. Both girls continue to search for a better future as Lila seeks an escape from the neighborhood while Elena pursues her academic dream. The ways in which their lives diverge highlights the fact that regardless of their own efforts, they (much like Naples itself) are both still living with the consequences of the decisions made in their pasts. The most crucial of these decisions, whether or not they would be permitted to attend middle school, carries particular poignancy as we approach the start of another school year. It is this decision, over which neither Lila nor Elena had control, that ultimately set Elena on the path towards success while Lila remained caught in the neighborhood's cycle of violence and poverty. Even at its most bleak, however, the series continues to offer a glimmer of hope as both Elena and Lila approach their tumultuous lives in a changing city with an ingenuity and grit that is nothing short of brilliant.

Three is always a crowd...

Through the outstanding work of its cast the series transports viewers back to Ferrante's Naples as it stands on the brink of change. Elvis Esposito and Alessio Gallo continue to exude smarmy charm and menace as Marcello and Michel Solara. Christian Giroso turns in a raw performance in his portrayal of Elena's boyfriend, Antonio's, descent into mental illness. Gennaro De Stefano lends depth and complexity to his portrayal of Lila's hapless brother, Rino. Ulrike Migliarisi and Federica Sollazzo personify female repression in their performances as Ada and Pennuccia. Giovanni Amura's by turns brutal and pathetic portrayal of Stefano ensures that his character is more than just a cardboard villain. Emanuele Valenti infuses predatory Donato Sarratore with a mix of suave and sleaze. Francesco Serpico balances boyish charm with haughtiness as local heartthrob Nino. Matteo Cecchi is delightfully endearing as Elena's classmate and eventual fiance, Pietro. Margherita Mazzucco aptly portrays Elena's transition from awkward adolescent to empowered adult and adds a fascinating layer of moral ambiguity to her performance. Gaia Girace dominates every frame in which she appears in her explosive turn as the magnetic Lila and conveys Lila's dizzying highs and devastating lows with equal aplomb.

In it's second season My Brilliant Friend follows the next chapter in the lives of Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo and is guaranteed to leave viewers anxiously awaiting its next installment. Through its stellar performances and captivating script season two brings Ferrante's The Story of a New Name to vivid life as it transports viewers to the grit and glamour of 1960's Naples. For some of the best writing and acting to grace the small screen join Elena and Lila on the streets of Naples for a story that you won't soon forget.