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The BBC knows good drama, there’s no denying it. Time and time again they deliver heart-wrenching, pulse quickening, adrenaline pumping drama; picking up new and exciting narratives from the very best. From Kudos Film and Television and Emmy winning writer Abi Morgan comes the touching and thrilling drama RIVER, the BBC’s latest example of excellence with none other than Hollywood star Stellan Skarsgård at its very centre. 

London based police detective, John River (Skarsgård), finds himself at war with his own mental health as the rippling effects of his former partner’s murder continue to plague his mind and daily living. River is desperate to find out who killed his beloved Stevie but finds himself caught up in the visual torment of manifests that interact with him, both helping and hindering his investigation. As River’s own well being takes a beating, Stevie’s murder inquiry continues, leading him down a devastating path of dangerous secrets. 

RIVER is a complex, intelligent and emotional drama that skillfully dips its toes into a collection of genre themes; all combining to create a remarkable story fueled by Morgan’s incredible writing skills. Morgan’s talent for character introduction and development is totally apparent from the very beginning of the series. We’re introduced to River and Stevie as immediate opposites, with delightful tit for tat dialogue creating a warm sense of familiarity and amusement. It’s so important to the series as a whole that we identify so strongly with this pair and Morgan manages to write them so wonderfully that it’s incredibly easy to feel at home in their company. 

As the drama unfolds we become starkly aware of River’s condition and Morgan lets us in on the secret from the very outset of the series. River hears voices in his head and they transform into visual manifests of thought and reason. Whether they’re in the form of Stevie, fictional characters or individuals that in some way touch his life; they all enable him to work through the daemons that lay deep within his psyche; something that proves itself to be both a gift and a curse. 

What’s so wonderful about River’s condition is that it is never something that needs to be fixed, that never becomes a part of the narrative and it’s completely refreshing. While yes, there is need for him to learn about his issues, it’s so much more than a hindrance to him; it’s a part of his character that is as important as anything else and in turn, his manifested images become real drive within the narrative. While onlookers may wince at his murmurs of self conversation, from this side of the screen we’re able to lovingly enjoy the humor while watching over with protective eyes. 

One of the most interesting and complex characters that grown from his mental workings is Thomas Cream, played by the electrifying Eddie Marsan. In Cream, we have the closest look at what River’s mind truly looks like, how all his conflictions, weaknesses and insecurities would physically play out in the darkest corners of his psyche. This level of complexity within just one character is truly an example of such brilliance from Morgan’s writing.

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Stellan Skarsgård gives a genuinely wonderful, emotive and powerful performance throughout the series entirety. Not once does he falter in his talents, not a single moment does River’s intensity not spill from his presence on screen. It’s a remarkable thing to watch, witnessing this complex character bloom with vulnerability, sensitivity and strength. Skarsgård fully commits to this desperately troubled character, it’s so painfully apparent as the sorrow in his eyes, the heavy movements of his long limb and the rippling loneliness in his voice all convey the depths of River’s hopelessness. So rewarding it is then, when we do see those slivers of light that glow from his personal development, as the sanity that resides within him cling to the surface.

Then so devastating it is when the darker of his manifests rip through him like living nightmares. Skarsgård gives such a breathtakingly emotive performance that it’s impossible not writhe with uneasy, worried affection; cringing at his awkwardness for such affection. Our hearts are so desperate for his happiness, it’s truly a testament to his talent that we’re able to be unbelievably hungry for his well-being.  

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until: 18/08/2015 - Programme Name: River - TX: n/a - Episode: River (No. Generics) - Picture Shows: **STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01HRS, TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 2015** John River (STELLAN SKARSGARD) - (C) Kudos - Photographer: Nick Briggs

There is not one mediocre performance within this remarkable drama as River finds himself surrounded by a smorgasbord of diverse and brilliantly played characters. Certain highlights include Adeel Akhtar, who plays River’s newest partner Ira (you can read our exclusive interview with him here).  His character gives wonderful, much needed comedic relief within each episode, with his body language, deliverance and facial expressions all giving a subtle sense of humour that fits right in with this otherwise tense narrative. 

The always brilliant Lesley Manville is predictably fantastic at playing the inspiringly strong Chrissie, River’s co-worker and confidant. The fantastic back and forth relationship between her and River drives some of the episode filler with pleasant familiarity and soon we’re transported slap bang in the middle of their friendship, feeling quite at home in their close and sweet relationship. 

Young Turlough Convery sneaks into the series as a surprising triumph, with his character building slowly with each episode, leading to a roaring rush of power in the series’ final episode. His final monologue is wholeheartedly exceptional, the emotion bursting from his expressions as his intensity pierces through the screen, making you catch your breath.

Finally, the effervescent Nicola Walker who plays River’s Stevie, our Stevie. Her wonderful humour brings such joy to even the darkest moments of River’s memories. We’re lucky enough to experience her through not only River’s manifest, but through the broken fragments of the piling evidence and as the story unfolds, we see both the good and bad of Stevie’s proposed personality. Walker does such a tremendous job at being both chilling and utterly lovable. As the memories of Stevie play so disturbingly on River’s mind, her character changes accordingly and Walker out does herself in switching to all the necessary sides of her character. 

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There is such emotional intelligence within the series, a detail that completely steers it clear of becoming another ‘who done it’ drama. While the six part series has it’s minor flaws, some of the pacing can run ever so slightly slow, it’s writing is really something special and touches upon so many aspect of human nature that it becomes so brilliantly different from work of its kind. 

With countless tremendous performances, wonderful direction, a sensitive score and that level of writing; RIVER becomes a drama with such emotional attachment that it sinks its claws deep into you from the very first episode and absolutely continues to rip your heart out; right down to the joyful ending. 

Verdict

RIVER is available to buy on DVD and Blu-ray November 30th…

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