Is the BBC’s new gay drama starring Lennie James worth watching?

Mr. Loverman opens on a dance floor where we meet Barrington (Lennie James) and Morris (Ariyon Bakare) dancing to the sweet sounds of Susan Cadogan’s “Hurt so Good.”

That’s all we’re willing to tease about this bittersweet, extraordinary drama, except to add that this carefree moment of peace and fulfillment is both indicative and contradictory of Barry and Morris’ love.

The adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s 2013 bestseller of the same name traces the tender love story of these two men over a period of 60 years.

Barry and Morris’ feelings for each other form an oxymoron Mr. Loverman; At its core, their bond is natural, simple and carefree, but the external pressures of obligations and societal norms have forced them to remain secretive, adding discomfort and discord to their relationship.

What is pleasing, however, is their fundamental devotion to each other Heart stopper (If Nick and Charlie were two old black men who grew up in a different time, with different pressures and expectations placed on them).

The chemistry between the two leads is essential to a moving portrayal of their story, and the spark between James and Bakare is absolutely flawless. They masterfully tell so much without betraying the intimacy of Barry and Morris with the smallest movements and fleeting glances. Their exchange is like a dance (mostly like this opening scene).

Their feelings for each other become even clearer when scenes between Barry and his wife Carmel (Sharon D. Clarke) are inserted.

Carmel’s pain, frustration, and resentment are rooted in her physicality as Carmel wades through scenes, carrying the weight of her disappointment at every step.

In fact, every part of the ensemble deserves its place. Daughters Donna (Sharlene Whyte) and Maxine (Tamara Lawrance) couldn’t be more different, and yet both personalities have been heavily influenced by the effects of the accidental love triangle between Barry, Morris and Carmel.

Death in paradise“Tahj Miles” offers both comedy and some very real moments that inspire a deep examination of identity, sexuality and maturity.

Miles and James share some breathtaking scenes together that are painful but worth watching. The same goes for Lawrance and James, whose father-daughter bond provides some valuable moments on screen.

The voiceover didn’t really convince us; The successful mix of comedy and profound drama didn’t convince us either.

Mr. Loverman vacillates between laughter and deep movement, but the synergy between the two feels less harmonious and more like it can’t quite decide what it wants to be.

However, in each corner, the emotional notes remain as strong as the comedic ones, especially when Carmel’s circle of friends shows up.

The show’s depiction of gay sex is also commendable. She doesn’t shy away from her passion as the camera pans to some discarded boxer shorts. It holds up and similarly draws us into their intimate moments Lost boys and fairies Which is rare in romance novels where the couple is older, especially if they’re queer. Even rarer among black men.

It plays a role in depicting their entire love story – complicated, painful and yet full of devoted love that pours out in steaming passion.

Until the end Mr. Loverman You’ll feel like you’ve seen something serious and raw, and although there are a few loose threads, they seem purposeful and true to the completely imperfect nature of life.

Mr. Loverman will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on October 14th.

TV Writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her master’s degree in magazine journalism in 2013 and has since progressed professionally in the industry. She spent six years honing her analytical review skills at the Good Housekeeping Institute, eventually becoming assistant director of food testing. She also freelanced in film and television journalism from 2013 to 2020, interviewing A-list stars such as Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021, she joined Digital Spy as a TV writer, where she can delve deeper into what she loves by watching tons of TV in the name of her work. Since taking on the role, she has done red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed on BBC Radio and London Live. In her free time she also publishes the book “Gothic Angel”.