Alibi

Albi really does tick all the boxes, it's funny, entertaining, and allows for the cast to show off their incredible acting skills.

The story is a pretty simple one, a woman (Sophie Okonedo) returns to a the home of a man (Michael Kitchen) she had been waitressing at to collect her handbag, but when she arrives she thinks she's seen him kill someone.

ITV turned out some terrific one off dramas in the early 2000's, and this was one of the best. Nowadays we only seem to get series comprising of six parts, I miss these single dramas.

It walks the line between comedy and drama, it's very funny, but there's enough mystery to keep you intrigued. Kitchen and Okonedo are both incredible, they play one off another so well, the supporting cast are equally as good.

Favourite scene has to be where Greg has taken a few valium, and feels a little groggy, very funny.

It should have a commercial UK release. 9/10.

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs

Alibi is a gripping and thoroughly engaging TV movie thriller,with believable characters in believable situations.This is given extra credence thanks to the realistic,down-to-earth performances from the two leads,Michael Kitchen and Sophie Okelondo.They are given no sassy dialogue or outlandish situations to perform with,which,in this instance,has been for the better.The story manages to keep you gripped over it's two part duration,with it's clever and entertaining twists and turns.Be warned,though,as it's not all great.The director allows the pace to drag a bit in parts,there is an unwelcome comedy element spewing over things and the ending is the very definition of anti climatic.Still,it's a very audacious and well made effort for ITV1 to herald,and is well worth catching if you haven't seen it already.***

Ms. Okonedo is amazing and it is always a pleasure to watch Mr. Kitchen perform.

Would you ever imagine Sophie Okonedo doing farce laugh out loud comedy with Michael Kitchen? See Alibi and I dare you not to guffaw. It's dark and slow burning and actually turns into a romance. My only gripe is that there wasn't a sequel. Best thing Paul Abbott has written. He's a genius helped by Hal Lindes understated score, and Catherine Creed's editing. Brilliant!

"Alibi" tells of a British businessman who unwittingly kills his wife's lover, is serendipitously befriended by a young woman who provides his alibi, and becomes becomes embroiled in the cover-up, police investigation, discoveries of more sinister malfeasance, domestic issues, and more. Shot in the usual made-for-TV Brit no frills style with nonstop dialogue, this very civilized flick is sufficiently busy and twisty to hold interest for most of the 2.5 hour run. On the upside is a solid cast offering good performances. On the downside is mediocre production value and no subtitles or CC. Probably a worthwhile small screener for those into contemporary Brit dramas. (B-)