Mayflies

Having never wrote a review of any film or programme before, I find myself here pouring what's left of my emotions into these few paragraphs.

Mayflies has left me in bits and emotional wreck in a way that no visual entertainment has done before. An incredibly well told story by some fabulously gifted actors.

There is absolutely nothing glamorous about Mayflies and it's all the better for it!

I do hope Mayflies gets the recognition it deserves, not only for the performances of the actors, but also for shining a light on terminal illness and the effect it has on oneself and those around you. Bring a handkerchief.

Still wiping the tears away, yet I want to celebrate the love, loyalty and friendship that went before. A cast that I haven't always rated in the past individually have a chemistry I've rarely seen.

I'd compare this to an Ian Banks novel, yet no one gets murdered.

Martin Compston is far from his wooden self in Line of Duty, Ashley Jensen is a force of nature, something not harnessed by Ricky Gervais in any of their colab's. His fault for always wanting to be the centre of the screen. And Tony Curran? Balls out, no holds barred as the rebel that refused to say 'Okay, that'll do'. He does it his way.

Andrew O'Hagan has written a truly beautiful thing.

Peter Mackie Burns brings it to us in a very unsentimental yet gut wrenching way. It's a celebration of what was. No regrets.

There's a critic review which calls this drama "flat" but I can't help wondering if he was watching the same programme as me.

This is a beautiful, absorbing and deeply moving story. The writing is superb but is eclipsed by some of the best performances you are ever likely to see. The three central characters draw you in and make you FEEL this story, not just watch it.

The subject matter is challenging but it never felt exploitative. It doesn't so much focus upon Tully's illness as on the relationships with family (and more importantly) friends. The dialogue is natural, the emotions raw and believable and the effect upon the viewer deep and touching.

The end of the story was handled with a degree of sensitivity and love that surprised me and showed a depth of understanding from the writers and director that left a warm glow in my heart and tears coursing down my cheeks. It could easily have been done coldly, clinically and carelessly, but it was not the case.

It wasn't always easy to watch but I am so glad that I chose to do so. Clear a couple of hours, grab yourself a box of tissues and sit down to watch this - I don't think that you will regret it.

Tully asks his long term friend Jimmy for help, a request that would test the tightest of friendships.

First of all, I would start by saying it was quite a strange scheduling choice, putting this out just after we've had the turkey and tinsel, not a criticism, just a curiosity.

You won't be able to watch this with dry eyes, this is one of the most moving things I have seen for years, it isn't what I expected, but it really is the most powerful drama.

A real story of love and friendship, early on Tully asks Jimmy a question, and the rest of the drama is spent explaining why he was in a position to ask such a huge request, what gives him the right, it's an amazing friendship.

Good drama makes takes you away, great drama makes you think about real life situations, in this case euthanasia.

Tony Curran is the only actor to make me shed a year in Doctor Who, his performances in Vincent and The Doctor was astonishing, he brings me to tears here once, what a tremendous actor, both he and Compston are awesome here, as is Jensen.

Please don't be deterred by the opening ten minutes, or the plot, this is a very moving, sometimes funny drama, that is well worth your time.

Quite wonderful, 9/10.

This is story telling perfection.

I think it might be the most moving drama I have ever watched.

It was so unassuming, but so perfectly executed.

I fell in love with Tony Curran's Tully immediatley. And Ashley Jensen further solidifies herself as British acting royalty. She is so good, I do not know how to describe her.

Martin Compston is reliably brilliant also.

But mostly you will just love Tully.

Mayflies is nostalgia, friendship, love, pride and death (in short, humanity) all in one sorry story that rings too true.

I cannot wait to read the book (I know I probably would have more fault to pick if Id read it first so Im glad to do it this way round.)

The ending is brilliantly sad and refreshing because it is not the norm for a TV drama.

I cannot recommend it enough, that is... if you need a good cry and to clear out the emotional cobwebs. Amazing work.